emDocs - May 4TH, 2021 - Authors: Shane Ali, Christine Murphy
Reviewed by: Cynthia Santos; Alex Koyfman and Brit Long
“Background:
Shellfish are exoskeleton-bearing aquatic invertebrates that can be univalve (one shell) organisms, bivalve (two shell) organisms, and crustaceans. They include clams, oysters, scallops, and mussels. These organisms are known as filter feeders that feed on suspended matter and food particles in water. However, dinoflagellates produce toxins which can be accumulated in shellfish. In the above clinical vignette, the patient is suffering from a form of shellfish poisoning. There are four classic shellfish poisoning which we will be discussing: paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP), diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP), amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP), and neurologic shellfish poisoning (NSP)…”
