Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning

Causative organisms: Dinophysis spp., Prorocentrum spp.

Toxin produced: Okadaic Acid

Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning (DSP) produces gastrointestinal symptoms, usually beginning within 30 minutes to a few hours after consumption of toxic shellfish (Yasumoto and Murato, 1990). The illness, which is not fatal, is characterized by incapacitating diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and chills. Recovery occurs within three days, with or without medical treatment.


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DSPDiarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning
Additional Information on DSP including: Background, Clinical Presentation, Diagnosis, Management and Treatment, Chemical Structure, and Molecular Mechanism of Action.
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Last updated: May 7, 2008