A novel antibody-based biomarker for chronic algal toxin exposure and sub-acute neurotoxicity.

ABSTRACT: The neurotoxic amino acid, domoic acid (DA), is naturally produced by marine phytoplankton and presents a significant threat to the health of marine mammals, seabirds and humans via transfer of the toxin through the foodweb. In humans, acute exposure causes a neurotoxic illness known as amnesic shellfish poisoning characterized by seizures, memory loss, coma and death. Regular monitoring for high DA levels in edible shellfish tissues has been effective in protecting human consumers from acute DA exposure. However, chronic low-level DA exposure remains a concern, particularly in coastal and tribal communities that subsistence harvest shellfish known to contain low levels of the toxin. Domoic acid exposure via consumption of planktivorous fish also has a profound health impact on California

SUBMITTER: Lefebvre KA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3342169 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature