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Necropsy-based Wild Fish Health Assessment
Published on: September 11, 2018
Scombroid fish poisoning in Israel, 2005-2007
Ophir Lavon1, Yael Lurie, Yedidia Bentur
1Israel Poison Information Center, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel.
The Israel Medical Association Journal : IMAJ
|December 17, 2008
Summary
Scombroid fish poisoning, caused by histamine in improperly handled fish like tuna, often mimics allergies. Prompt diagnosis and supportive care, mainly antihistamines, are crucial for this public health concern.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Public Health
- Food Safety
Background:
- Scombroid fish poisoning results from consuming fish with high histamine levels due to improper handling and bacterial contamination.
- Symptoms rapidly emerge, mimicking IgE-mediated allergic reactions, often leading to diagnostic challenges.
- While serious complications are rare, timely recognition is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and characteristics of scombroid fish poisoning in Israel.
- To analyze data reported to the national poison information center between 2005 and 2007.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of poison center charts was conducted.
- Data from January 2005 to December 2007 were analyzed for scombroid poisoning events.
- Patient demographics, fish type, clinical manifestations, and treatments were recorded.
Main Results:
- Twenty-one scombroid poisoning events involving 46 patients were identified.
- Tuna was the most frequently implicated fish (84.7%).
- Common symptoms included rash, flushing, GI complaints, and headache, with rapid onset in 65.2% of cases. Two patients experienced hypotension, and five were initially misdiagnosed.
Conclusions:
- Scombroid fish poisoning should be suspected in cases of histamine-like symptoms following fish consumption, particularly tuna.
- While often self-limiting and responsive to antihistamines, severe toxicity can occur, necessitating careful observation.
- Proper fish handling and public health notification are vital to prevent this issue.
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