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Can ciguatera be a sexually transmitted disease?
W R Lange1, K M Lipkin, G C Yang
1Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD 21205.
Journal of Toxicology. Clinical Toxicology
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Ciguatera poisoning (CTX) may transfer sexually. Symptoms like painful ejaculation in men and painful intercourse in women suggest CTX in semen, even if tests are negative.
Area of Science:
- Marine toxicology
- Reproductive health
- Foodborne illness
Background:
- Ciguatera is a prevalent marine fish food poisoning caused by ciguatoxin (CTX).
- CTX is a potent neurotoxin accumulating in tropical reef fish.
- Traditional transmission routes involve ingestion of contaminated seafood.
Observation:
- Two cases are presented involving sexual contact after a male partner consumed ciguatera-contaminated fish.
- The affected male reported painful ejaculation.
- His unaffected female partner experienced dyspareunia (painful intercourse).
Findings:
- These symptoms suggest sexual transmission of ciguatoxin (CTX).
- Immunoassays of semen for CTX were inconclusive, potentially due to low toxin levels or test sensitivity.
- The study posits that CTX can be present in the semen of affected males.
Implications:
- Ciguatera toxicity may have implications for sexual health and transmission.
- Further research is needed to confirm CTX presence in semen and its effects.
- This highlights a potential, previously unrecognized route for ciguatera-related symptoms.