Abstract

Ciguatera Fish Poisoning (CFP) is primarily caused by the consumption of fish that have accumulated potent neurotoxins, the ciguatoxins (CTXs) that originate in the benthic dinoflagellate Gambierdiscus.
Giant clams, another important marine resource for South Pacific islanders, are generally regarded as edible although occasionally blamed in CFP cases.
Our recent studies in two Pacific islands, Lifou (New Caledonia) and Raivavae (French Polynesia), show that:
(i) marine benthic cyanobacteria of the Oscillatoria group can produce CTX-like compounds, in association with paralytic toxins,
(ii) following cyanobacterial blooms, giant clams can accumulate these toxins, provoking a new type of intoxication tentatively named "Ciguatera Shellfish Poisoning".
These findings, which provide a new link in the CFP food chain, emphasize the need for including the monitoring of marine cyanobacteria in CFP risk assessment and management programs so far based on Gambierdiscus surveys.

Workshop international Ciguatéra et biotoxines associées (Nouméa, 27-31 octobre 2008)