SCIENTISTS DISCOVER A NEW TOXIC MICROALGAE CAUSING CIGUATERA
Researchers at the Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO) have discovered a new toxic microalgae species, a typical dinoflagellate related with ciguatera. The new species named Gambierdiscus balechii, has been isolated from samples taken in Indonesia.
These microalgaes are responsible for ciguatera, the most widespread non-bacterial food poisoning caused by consumption of contaminated reef fish in the world. Ciguatera is odorless, tasteless and can not be removed by conventional cooking. It causes gastrointestinal, neurologic and cardiovascular problems, and has a low mortality rate (< 0.5%), although it is a substantial cause of morbidity in areas where ciguatera is endemic; mainly affects tropical areas of the Pacific, Caribbean and Indian Oceans.
Gambierdiscus balechii seen under SEM microscope/ IEO
Reference: Fraga et al. 2016 Gambierdiscus balechii sp. nov (Dinophyceae), a new benthic toxic dinoflagellate from the Celebes Sea (SW Pacific Ocean).Harmful Algae.
