azaspiracid

Introduction

polycyclic ether marine algal toxin

Epidemiology

• produced by the small dinoflagellate Azadinium spinosum
• illness acquired by ingestion of contaminated shellfish

Pathology

• can accumulate in humans causing disease

Clinical manifestations

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps

Mechanism of action

• phycotoxin that inhibits hERG voltage-gated potassium channels

More general terms

• food poisoning (foodborne disease)