Tetrodotoxin Suspected in Seafood Poisoning Case

Severe illness following seafood consumption at a Vizhinjam restaurant is suspected to be caused by tetrodotoxin contamination. The toxin is a potent marine neurotoxin associated with certain fish and marine organisms.

Tetrodotoxin (TTX):

Dimension	Key Details
Nature	Highly potent naturally occurring marine neurotoxin; non protein and heat stable
Source	Produced by symbiotic bacteria and found in pufferfish blue ringed octopus certain crabs starfish and marine bacteria
Heat Stability	Not destroyed by cooking or freezing
Mechanism of Action	Blocks voltage gated sodium channels in nerve cells preventing transmission of nerve impulses
Early Symptoms	Numbness of lips and tongue and tingling sensation
Moderate Symptoms	Vomiting dizziness and muscle weakness
Severe Symptoms	Paralysis respiratory failure and death in extreme cases
Treatment	No specific antidote available and managed through supportive care including respiratory support
Public Health Significance	Recognised as serious marine toxin risk by World Health Organization and associated with seafood poisoning in coastal regions