[Clinical comments on poisoning caused by marine animals in the Marquesas]

Intoxications due to sea animals in the Marquesas seem to be relatively frequent in this archipelago. Fish consumption under rarely realized favorable conditions does not induce intoxications. Although statistics are hazardous in Polynesia, the phenomena seem to progress from East to West, and to be cyclic, with a regression phase at the end of 1973. Two complementary syndromes have been isolated: -- one is primary, neuro-sensory, and is prevalent in the case of toxic crustaceans, molluscs or echinoderms consumption. Hemorragic signs are sometimes observed in the case of consumption of fish provoking an unusual toxi-infection. The specificity of the toxic species has not been demonstrated. -- the other one is secondary and presents the characteristics of transistory myalgiae and the strange neuropathic picture of "la Contamine" of Ua-Pou.