Morskie biotoksyny - potencjalne zagrozenie zdrowia czlowieka

n the last decades, the frequency, intensity and distribution of harmful marine microalgae which produce toxins seem to be increasing. Of the estimated 5 000 living species of algae belonging to phytoplankton, only about 40 species produce toxins. Microscopic toxic algae are an important component of the shellfish diet. This fact together with the expanding seafood industry causes health hazards and great economic losses in different regions all over the world. Consequently, sporadic algal blooms in areas where shellfish are traditionally gathered or commercially farmed require a control system to ensure consumer safety. When humans eat seafood contaminated by marine biotoxins they may suffer a variety of gastrointestinal and neurological illnesses. The longest-known and most infamous group of marine toxins is that responsible for Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP). The primary neurotoxin is saxitoxin which can cause respiratory paralysis. Classically, the mouse bioassay has been used to detect shellfish toxins. However, efforts have been directed toward the development of a suitable chemical assay for toxicity which would be more sensitive and reproducible. Modern techniques, for instance immunoassay, chromatography, or tissue culture test, are very promising for such an application.