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Published on: April 14, 2012
Double lethal coconut crab (Birgus latro L.) poisoning
C Maillaud1, S Lefebvre, C Sebat
1SAMU/SMUR/SAU/UHCD [Emergency Department], Territorial Hospital of New Caledonia, P.O. Box J5, 98849 Noumea, New Caledonia. claudemaillaud@yahoo.com.au
Summary
Two individuals died from coconut crab poisoning in New Caledonia. This fatal poisoning was likely caused by neriifolin, a toxin from Cerbera manghas fruit ingested by the crab.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Marine Biology
- Ecology
Background:
- Coconut crabs (Birgus latro L.) are the largest terrestrial arthropods.
- Traditional knowledge in New Caledonia links crab toxicity to Cerbera manghas fruit consumption.
Observation:
- Two fatal cases of poisoning occurred following consumption of coconut crab.
- Patients exhibited gastro-intestinal symptoms, bradycardia, hypotension, and asystolia.
- Hyperkalemia suggested a digitalis-like substance intoxication.
Findings:
- Cardenolide assays on patient serum, crab guts, and Cerbera manghas fruit were positive.
- Neriifolin, a cardiotoxic cardenolide, was identified as the likely causative agent.
- This indicates toxin transmission through the coconut crab food chain.
Implications:
- Highlights the potential danger of consuming coconut crabs in regions with toxic flora.
- Underscores the importance of traditional ecological knowledge in identifying health risks.
- Suggests further research into the bioaccumulation and toxicity of cardenolides in marine ecosystems.
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