[Ciguatera poisoning in Spanish travellers]
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 25, 2026

Examination of Host Phenotypes in Gambusia affinis Following Antibiotic Treatment
Published on: February 22, 2017
Joaquim Gascón1, Maria Macià, Inés Oliveira
1Sección de Medicina Tropical. Centro de Salud Internacional. Hospital Clínic. IDIBAPS. Barcelona. España. jgascon@clinic.ub.es
Background And Objective:
Ciguatera poisoning appears after ingestion of contaminated fish from tropical coral reefs. Due to the diversity of clinical symptoms and the absence of a specific test in humans, the diagnosis is often difficult.
Patients And Method:
A retrospective study of 10 patients consulting for a clinical and epidemiological picture compatible with ciguatera poisoning after a trip to tropical countries between 1993 and 2000.
Results:
Most infections but one were acquired in the Caribbean area and there were 8 females. Clinical manifestations started within the first 24 hours after fish ingestion. Chief symptoms were diarrhea and nausea, followed by neurological symptoms, mainly limbs paresthesias that persisted for several weeks.
Conclusions:
The severity of clinical symptoms was variable and not related to age or initial symptoms. Ciguatera poisoning has to be considered in the diagnosis of acute gastroenteritis affecting travellers to tropical areas.
Related Concept Videos
American Trypanosomiasis
Cholera
Giardiasis
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Antimicrobials as Antidiarrheal Agents
Toxoplasmosis
Anticholinesterase Agents: Poisoning and Treatment
Irreversible agents form a strong bond with the cholinesterase enzyme, making it inactive. The breakdown of the phosphorylated enzyme is slower than the...

