Biological Safety BSL3 Laboratory Manual Revised September 2019 I 5.2 SELECT AGENT TOXINS

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Biological Safety BSL3 Laboratory Manual Revised September 2019 I 5.2 SELECT AGENT TOXINS Biological Safety BSL3 Laboratory Manual Yale Environmental Health & Safety Yale University - Biological135 College Safety BSL3 Street, Laboratory Suite Manual 100, New Haven, CT 06510 Revised September 2019 ii Yale University Environmental Health & Safety Telephone: 203-785-3550 / Fax: 203-785-7588 Revised September 2019 SECTION 1 RESPONSIBILITIES ..................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 DEPARTMENT CHAIR ...................................................................................................................................... 1 1.2 PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR ............................................................................................................................. 1 1.3 RESEARCH PERSONNEL .................................................................................................................................. 2 1.4 ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY (EHS) ........................................................................................... 2 1.5 BIOLOGICAL SAFETY COMMITTEE ................................................................................................................ 3 SECTION 2 MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE PROGRAM .............................................................................. 3 2.1 MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE .............................................................................................................................. 3 2.2 EMPLOYEE SERUM STORAGE ......................................................................................................................... 4 2.3 IMMUNIZATIONS ............................................................................................................................................. 4 2.4 MEDICAL RESTRICTIONS ................................................................................................................................ 5 2.5 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES FOR EXPOSURE INCIDENTS ............................................................................... 6 2.6 POST-EXPOSURE EVALUATION AND FOLLOW-UP ........................................................................................ 6 SECTION 3 LABORATORY PROCEDURES ................................................................................................ 7 3.1 ENTRY PROCEDURES ...................................................................................................................................... 7 3.2 EXIT PROCEDURES .......................................................................................................................................... 8 3.3 PERSONNEL PRACTICES .................................................................................................................................. 8 3.4 GENERAL LABORATORY PROCEDURES ......................................................................................................... 8 3.5 VACUUM LINE TRAPS AND FILTER SYSTEMS ............................................................................................ 10 3.6 BSL3 LABORATORY PRACTICES ................................................................................................................ 10 3.7 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) ............................................................................................... 11 3.8 HANDWASHING ............................................................................................................................................ 12 3.9 PROCEDURES FOR CENTRIFUGATION .......................................................................................................... 12 3.10 BIOLOGICAL SAFETY CABINET (BSC) PROTOCOL .................................................................................... 13 3.11 CHEMICAL HOOD - GUIDELINES FOR OPERATION ..................................................................................... 15 3.12 WASTE HANDLING AND DISPOSAL PROCEDURES ..................................................................................... 15 3.13 EQUIPMENT REPAIRS/SERVICE ................................................................................................................... 15 3.14 PROCEDURE FOR LAUNDERING LABORATORY PROTECTIVE CLOTHING ................................................. 16 3.15 TRANSPORT OF HUMAN PATHOGENS OR OTHER POTENTIALLY INFECTIOUS MATERIALS ON CAMPUS (BETWEEN LABS OR BUILDINGS) ................................................................................................................ 16 SECTION 4 DECONTAMINATION OF SPILLS......................................................................................... 16 4.1 SPILLS IN BSC .............................................................................................................................................. 16 4.2 SPILLS IN THE LABORATORY ....................................................................................................................... 17 4.3 COMPOSITION OF BSL3 SPILL KIT .............................................................................................................. 17 SECTION 5 WORK WITH HAZARDOUS BIOLOGICAL TOXINS ...................................................... 19 5.1 RECOMBINANT DNA EXPERIMENTS INVOLVING TOXINS ........................................................................ 19 Yale University - Biological Safety BSL3 Laboratory Manual Revised September 2019 i 5.2 SELECT AGENT TOXINS ............................................................................................................................... 20 5.3 TOXIN WORK PRACTICES ............................................................................................................................ 20 SECTION 6 SELECT AGENTS ....................................................................................................................... 22 6.1 POSSESSION, USE, OR TRANSFER OF SELECT AGENTS .............................................................................. 22 6.2 LIST OF SELECT AGENTS AND REGULATED TOXINS ................................................................................. 23 6.3 TIER 1 SELECT AGENTS ............................................................................................................................... 24 6.4 PERMISSIBLE TOXIN AMOUNTS .................................................................................................................. 25 6.5 REPORTING SUSPECTED VIOLATIONS OR SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY ............................................................. 25 6.6 REGISTRATION OF POSSESSION, USE OR TRANSFER OF SELECT AGENTS. ............................................... 26 6.7 DISCOVERY OF SELECT AGENTS OR UNKNOWN SAMPLES ....................................................................... 26 6.8 INTRAFACILITY TRANSFER OF SELECT AGENTS ........................................................................................ 27 6.9 DESTRUCTION OF SELECT AGENTS OR UNKNOWN SAMPLES ................................................................... 27 SECTION 7 PHYSICAL PLANT PERSONNEL, MAINTENANCE AND VISITOR PROCEDURES .. .......................................................................................................................................................... 28 7.1 VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS ................................................................................................................... 28 7.2 PROCEDURES FOR ENTERING BSL3 FACILITY ............................................................................................ 28 7.3 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) ............................................................................................... 28 7.4 RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE BSL3 FACILITY USERS ..................................................................................... 28 7.5 RESPONSIBILITIES OF PHYSICAL PLANT PERSONNEL AND VISITORS ....................................................... 28 SECTION 8 REGISTERING YOUR WORK WITH THE EHS-BIOSAFETY OFFICE ...................... 29 8.1 REGISTRATION OF BIOLOGICAL MATERIALS ............................................................................................. 29 8.2 REQUEST TO USE INFECTIOUS AGENTS ...................................................................................................... 29 8.3 RECOMBINANT DNA REGISTRATION ......................................................................................................... 30 SECTION 9 AUTOCLAVE VALIDATION ................................................................................................... 30 9.1 BIOLOGICAL INDICATOR TESTS .................................................................................................................. 31 9.2 CHEMICAL TEST ........................................................................................................................................... 31 SECTION 10 FORMS ........................................................................................................................................... 31 10.1 INFECTIOUS AGENTS REGISTRATION ......................................................................................................... 32 10.2 REQUIREMENTS FOR BSL3 EXPERIMENTATION IN ANIMALS ................................................................... 32 10.3 REGISTRATION FOR BIOSAFETY LEVEL 3 (BSL3) RESEARCH IN ANIMALS ............................................. 34 10.4 SUPPLEMENTAL STANDARD OPERATING
Recommended publications
  • A Two-Directional Synthesis of the C58–C71 Fragment of Palytoxin
    A two-directional synthesis of the C58–C71 fragment of palytoxin Robert Hodgson and Adam Nelson* Department of Chemistry, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK LS2 9JT Received 14th July 2003, Accepted 18th November 2003 First published as an Advance Article on the web 5th January 2004 A two directional approach, in which asymmetric dihydroxylation and reduction reactions were used to control fi absolute con guration, was exploited in the preparation of a C2-symmetrical dipyranone. The homotopic dihydropyran (DHP) rings of this precursor were differentiated statistically using by a Prévost reaction and further functionalisation. A second Prévost reaction was used to functionalise the other DHP; global deprotection and peracetylation gave a protected version of the C58–C71 fragment of palytoxin. Methods which might be of value in future synthetic work were developed for the stereoselective functionalisation of THP rings similar to those found in this fragment. Introduction Table 1 Deprotection of the bis silyl ether 7 Palytoxin, 1, was isolated from marine soft corals of the genus Entry Conditions Product Yield a (%) Palythoa.1 Palytoxin acts by interacting with sodium-potas- sium-activated APTase 2 and its toxicity is rivalled only by a few 1 TBAF, THF, 20 ЊC b — 1 Њ c naturally occurring proteins. The connectivity of palytoxin was 2NH4F, MeOH, 60 C — 3 Њ c determined in 1981, and its complete structure elucidated a 3 AcOH–H2O, 20 C — Њ year later.4 A total synthesis of palytoxin was reported in 1989.5 4 TBAF, AcOH, 20 C 12 43 5HFؒpyridine, 20 ЊC 12 20 Palytoxin remains one of the most complex molecules to have a Yield of purified product.
    [Show full text]
  • An Aquarium Hobbyist Poisoning: Identification of New Palytoxins in Palythoa Cf
    Toxicon 121 (2016) 41e50 Contents lists available at ScienceDirect Toxicon journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/toxicon An aquarium hobbyist poisoning: Identification of new palytoxins in Palythoa cf. toxica and complete detoxification of the aquarium water by activated carbon * Luciana Tartaglione a, Marco Pelin b, Massimo Morpurgo c, Carmela Dell'Aversano a, , Javier Montenegro d, Giuseppe Sacco e, Silvio Sosa b, James Davis Reimer f, ** Patrizia Ciminiello a, Aurelia Tubaro b, a Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy b Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via A. Valerio 6, 34127 Trieste, Italy c Museum of Nature South Tyrol, Via Bottai 1, 39100 Bolzano, Italy d Molecular Invertebrate Systematics and Ecology Laboratory, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of the Ryukyus, 1 Senbaru, Nishihara, Okinawa 903-0212, Japan e General Hospital of Bolzano, Via L. Bohler€ 5, 39100 Bolzano, Italy f Molecular Invertebrate Systematics and Ecology Laboratory, Faculty of Science, University of the Ryukyus, 1 Senbaru, Nishihara, Okinawa 903-0212, Japan article info abstract Article history: Palytoxin (PLTX) is a lethal natural toxin often found in Palythoa zoantharians that, together with its Received 13 June 2016 congeners, may induce adverse effects in humans after inhalation of toxic aerosols both in open-air and Received in revised form domestic environments, namely in the vicinity of public and private aquaria. In this study, we describe a 15 August 2016 poisoning of an aquarium hobbyist who was hospitalized after handling a PLTXs-containing zoantharian Accepted 17 August 2016 hexacoral. Furthermore, we provide evidence for water detoxification.
    [Show full text]
  • Recommendations to Marine Reef Aquarists on How to Prevent
    What to do if you suspect palytoxin poisoning The main symptoms of palytoxin poisoning following exposure either via the skin, eyes or by inhalation are: Fever (more than 38°C), cough, headache, difficulty breathing, sore throat, runny nose, chest pain, rapid heart rate, skin redness/rash, swelling, numbness/tingling, muscle pain, irritation of the eye, sensitivity to light and conjunctivitis. Additional indicators may include the detection of a foul smell or a bitter/metallic taste in the mouth. It is important to note that currently there have been NO fatal cases involving marine reef aquarists and palytoxin poisoning recorded. However, the symptoms of palytoxin poisoning can develop quickly following exposure. If you suspect palytoxin poisoning has occurred, you should seek urgent medical attention and advise medical staff that you have been handling corals and that palytoxin poisoning is suspected. Inactivating palytoxin Recommendations to marine Palytoxin can be inactivated by household bleach (sodium hypochlorite). Regular (‘standard’) household bleach is typically sold at a concentration of 5% sodium reef aquarists on how to hypochlorite. This should be used (i.e. standard, unscented household bleach) and not the gel-type/thick household bleach, when preparing a bleach solution. A suitable solution can be made from one part household bleach to nine parts water. Surfaces/equipment prevent palytoxin poisoning which have had contact with palytoxin can be cleaned using the 1:9 bleach to water solution. Be aware that household bleach can give off chlorine gas and should therefore never be used in addition with other household cleaners and should be used in a well ventilated room.
    [Show full text]
  • Fish Technology Glossary
    Glossary of Fish Technology Terms A Selection of Terms Compiled by Kevin J. Whittle and Peter Howgate Prepared under contract to the Fisheries Industries Division of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations 6 December 2000 Last updated: February 2002 Kevin J. Whittle 1 GLOSSARY OF FISH TECHNOLOGY TERMS [Words highlighted in bold in the text of an entry refer to another entry. Words in parenthesis are alternatives.] Abnormalities Attributes of the fish that are not found in the great majority of that kind of fish. For example: atypical shapes; overall or patchy discolorations of skin or of fillet; diseased conditions; atypical odours or flavours. Generally, the term should be used for peculiarities present in the fish at the time of capture or harvesting, or developing very soon after; peculiarities arising during processing should be considered as defects. Acetic acid Formal chemical name, ethanoic acid. An organic acid of formula CH3.COOH. It is the main component, 3-6%, other than water, of vinegar. Used in fish technology in preparation of marinades. Acid curing See Marinating Actomyosin A combination of the two main proteins, actin and myosin, present in all muscle tissues. Additive A chemical added to a food to affect its properties. Objectives of including additives in a product include: increased stability during storage; inhibition of growth of microorganisms or production of microbial toxins; prevention or reduction of formation of off-flavours; improved sensory properties, particularly colours and appearance, affecting acceptability to the consumer; improved properties related to preparation and processing of food, for example, ability to create stable foams or emulsions, or to stabilise or thicken sauces.
    [Show full text]
  • Review of Clupeotoxism, an Often Fatal Illness from the Consumption of Clupeoid Fishes1
    View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by ScholarSpace at University of Hawai'i at Manoa Review of Clupeotoxism, an Often Fatal Illness from the Consumption of Clupeoid Fishes1 John E. Randall2 Abstract: Poisoning from eating clupeoid fishes such as sardines and herrings (Clupeidae) or anchovies (Engaulidae), termed clupeotoxism, is widespread in tropical and subtropical areas of the world but rare. A fatal case occurred in Kaua‘i in 1978 from the consumption of the Marquesan Sardine (Sardinella marquesensis). This species has been replaced in abundance in the Hawaiian Is- lands by another import, the Goldspot Sardine (Herklotsichthys quadrimaculatus). Onuma et al. (1999) obtained the head of a specimen of this sardine that caused a fatality in Madagascar and found that it contained palytoxin. Because bottom sediment was detected on the gills and in the esophagus, they concluded that the fish is a bottom-feeder, and the benthic dinoflagellate Ostreopsis siamensis, known to produce palytoxin, the toxic organism. The sediment on the gills was more likely the result of the fish being dragged over the substratum by a seine. The Goldspot Sardine feeds on zooplankton, not benthic organisms. Therefore, a pelagic dinoflagellate is the probable producer of palytoxin. The consumption of certain tropical ma- eating a sardinelike fish known as Clupea rine fishes, even though well cooked, may re- thryssa (¼ the thread herring Opisthonems sult in severe illness and even death. Halstead oglinum) at what is now the Dominican Re- and Lively (1954) separated such poisonings public. Oldendorp (1777) claimed that sprat into four groups, ciguatera, tetraodon poi- (a general English common name for a clu- soning, gymnothorax (moray eel) poisoning, peid) is the most poisonous fish in the Virgin and scombroid (tuna) poisoning.
    [Show full text]
  • 69-2200 ATTAWAY, David Henry, 1938- ISOLATION and PARTIAL CHARACTERIZATION of CARIBBEAN PALYTOXIN
    This dissertation has been microfilmed exactly as received 69-2200 ATTAWAY, David Henry, 1938- ISOLATION AND PARTIAL CHARACTERIZATION OF CARIBBEAN PALYTOXIN. The University of Oklahoma, PhJ)., 1968 Chemistry, biological University Microfilms, Inc., Ann Arbor, Michigan THE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA GRADUATE COLLEGE ISOLATION AND PARTIAL CHARACTERIZATION OF CARIBBEAN PALYTOXIN A DISSERTATION SUBMITTED TO THE GRADUATE FACULTY in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY BY DAVID HENRY ATTAWAY Norman, Oklahoma 1968 ISOLATION AND PARTIAL CHARACTERIZATION OF CARIBBEAN PALYTOXIN APPROVED BY DISSERTATION COMMITTEE ACKNOWLEDGMENT The author wishes first to express his gratitude to Professor Leon S. Ciereszko whose understanding patience, keen intelligence, and broad knowledge were indispensable in making these laboratory investigations possible. His pleasant wit and probing interest in all phases of sea life made the field trips exciting adventures in learning something of marine biology. The opportunity to learn from him has been a privilege. The author thanks his close colleagues among the graduate students and staff of the Chemistry Department for their friendship and encouragement. Special thanks are extended to Drs. Tom Karns and Joe Mizelle for their advice and help. Sincere gratitude is due Professors Thomas F. Goreau, Ivan M. Goodbody, and Klaus von Holt fot their cooperation in making their facilities at the University of the West Indies easily available for the field work. Conversations with them were stimulating and helpful. The author thanks Dr. Kenneth S. Mills of the Zoology Department for providing animals and laboratory space for bioassays. iii The help of Dr. Francis J. Schmitz, L. Stanley Ciereszko, Jr., Martin S.
    [Show full text]
  • Medical Management of Biological Casualties Handbook
    USAMRIID’s MEDICAL MANAGEMENT OF BIOLOGICAL CASUALTIES HANDBOOK Sixth Edition April 2005 U.S. ARMY MEDICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES FORT DETRICK FREDERICK, MARYLAND Emergency Response Numbers National Response Center: 1-800-424-8802 or (for chem/bio hazards & terrorist events) 1-202-267-2675 National Domestic Preparedness Office: 1-202-324-9025 (for civilian use) Domestic Preparedness Chem/Bio Helpline: 1-410-436-4484 or (Edgewood Ops Center – for military use) DSN 584-4484 USAMRIID’s Emergency Response Line: 1-888-872-7443 CDC'S Emergency Response Line: 1-770-488-7100 Handbook Download Site An Adobe Acrobat Reader (pdf file) version of this handbook can be downloaded from the internet at the following url: http://www.usamriid.army.mil USAMRIID’s MEDICAL MANAGEMENT OF BIOLOGICAL CASUALTIES HANDBOOK Sixth Edition April 2005 Lead Editor Lt Col Jon B. Woods, MC, USAF Contributing Editors CAPT Robert G. Darling, MC, USN LTC Zygmunt F. Dembek, MS, USAR Lt Col Bridget K. Carr, MSC, USAF COL Ted J. Cieslak, MC, USA LCDR James V. Lawler, MC, USN MAJ Anthony C. Littrell, MC, USA LTC Mark G. Kortepeter, MC, USA LTC Nelson W. Rebert, MS, USA LTC Scott A. Stanek, MC, USA COL James W. Martin, MC, USA Comments and suggestions are appreciated and should be addressed to: Operational Medicine Department Attn: MCMR-UIM-O U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) Fort Detrick, Maryland 21702-5011 PREFACE TO THE SIXTH EDITION The Medical Management of Biological Casualties Handbook, which has become affectionately known as the "Blue Book," has been enormously successful - far beyond our expectations.
    [Show full text]
  • Palytoxin from Palythoa Tuberculosa (P5183)
    Palytoxin from Palythoa tuberculosa Product Number P 5183 Storage Temperature 2-8 °C Product Description Precautions and Disclaimer Molecular Formula: C129H223N3O54 For Laboratory Use Only. Not for drug, household or Molecular Weight: 2,680 other uses. CAS Number: 77734-91-9 1 Specific Rotation: +26° (25 °C, H2O) Preparation Instructions Synonym: PTX This product is soluble in water, acidic aqueous solutions, and aqueous alcohol solutions. Stock Palytoxin is a natural product derived from the solutions of this product (0.1 mM in water) have been zoanthid coral Palythoa toxica that is the most toxic prepared and stored frozen.4 non-proteinaceous chemical known to occur in nature.1 This ionophore compound acts as a References hemolysin and alters the functioning of excitable cells. 1. The Merck Index, 12th ed., Entry# 7132. Palytoxin induces activity of a small conductance 2. Frelin, C., and Van Renterghem, C., Palytoxin. cationic channel that then produces secondary Recent electrophysiological and pharmacological activations of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels and of evidence for several mechanisms of action. Gen. Na+/Ca2+ exchange. This results in neurotransmitter Pharmacol., 26(1), 33-37 (1995). release by nerve terminals and contractions of striated 3. Tosteson, M. T., et al., Effects of palytoxin on and smooth muscle cells. In addition, palytoxin opens cation occlusion and phosphorylation of the a membrane conductive pathway for H+ that drives H+ (Na+,K+)-ATPase. J. Membr. Biol., 192(3), 181- inside the cells and activates Na+/H+ exchange 189 (2003). activity.2 4. Artigas, P., and Gadsby, D. C., Na+,K+-pump ligands modulate gating of palytoxin-induced ion Palytoxin has been utilized to investigate the induction channels.
    [Show full text]
  • Ciguatera Fish Poisoning a Southern California Epidemic ERIK D
    31 Articles Ciguatera Fish Poisoning A Southern California Epidemic ERIK D. BARTON, MD; PAULA TANNER, REHS; STEVEN G. TURCHEN, MD; CYNTHIA L. TUNGET, PharmD; ANTHONY MANOGUERRA, PharmD; and RICHARD F. CLARK, MD, San Diego, California Ciguatera fish poisoning results from the bioconcentration of a variety of toxins produced by marine dinoflagellates. Signs and symptoms vary widely, but it usually presents as gastrointestinal and neuro- logic complaints beginning shortly after the ingestion of fish containing the toxins. Symptoms may persist for months and sometimes even years. Although cases have been reported throughout the United States, epidemics are most common along tropical and subtropical coasts and usually involve the ingestion of large carnivorous fish. We review the literature and report the first epidemic of 25 cases of ciguatera fish poisoning presenting to area hospitals in Southern California that were success- fully tracked by the Department of Health Services and isolated to fish caught off the coast of Baja Cal- ifornia, Mexico. (Barton ED, Tanner P, Turchen SG, Tunget CL, Manoguerra A, Clark RF: Ciguatera fish poisoning-A Southern California epidemic. West J Med 1995; 163:31-35) In the Evening every one who had eat some ofthesefish countries. It is prevalent in the tropical Caribbean and the (called Groopers) were seiz'd with Violent pains in the subtropical North Atlantic and Pacific regions. Cases are head and Limbs, so as to be unable to stand, together being recognized with increasing frequency in the United with a kind ofscorching heat all over the Skin (.. and States.5'7 Certain weather patterns and ecologic distur- numness in thejoints .
    [Show full text]
  • 6. Palytoxin in Two Species of Philippine Crabs
    6. PALYTOXIN IN TWO SPECIES OF PHILIPPINE CRABS Takeshi YASUMOTO and Daisuke YASUMURA Faculty of Agriculture, Tohoku University, Tsutsumi-dori, Amemiyamachi, Sendai, Miyagi 980, Japan Yasushi OHIZUMI and Masami TAKAHASHI Mitsubishi-Kasei Institute for Life Science, 11 Minamiooya, Machida-shi, Tokyo 194, Japan Angel C. ALCALA and Lawton C. ALCALA Department of Zoology, Silliman University, Dumaguete City 6501, The Philippines ABSTRACT Two species of xanthid crab Lophozozymus pictor and Demania a1ca1ai collected on southern Negros, Philippines, were found to be highly lethal by mouse assays. The toxin in both species was indistinguishable from pa1ytoxin, a highly lethal toxin of zoanthids Pa1ythoa spp., in chroma­ tographic properties, lethal potencies and in ultraviolet absorption spectra. INTRODUCTION In tropical Pacific areas widespread rumors exist regarding the occurrence of toxic crabs (KONOSU and HASHIMOTO, 1978). The species most frequently implicated in human intoxication is Zosimus aeneus in which occurrence of saxitoxin analogues (HASHIMOTO, 1979; YASUMOTO et a1., 1981; KOYAMA et a1., 1981; RAJ et a1., 1983) and, more recently, tetrodotoxin (YASUMURA et a1., in press) have been confirmed. However, toxic principles in other crabs implicated in poisoning incidences have remained unidentified. TEH and GARDINER (1974) first reported the presence of a potent toxin in Lophozo­ zymus pictor and suggested the toxin to be different from both saxitoxin and tetrodotoxin on the basis of dose-death time relation ships and gel permeation chromatographic properties. Incidence of human fatalities due to ingestion of this species was reported on Negros Island, Philippines (GONZALES and ALCALA, 1977; ALCALA, 1983). In the same area, a human fatality resulting from ingestion of another species Demania toxica also took place (ALCALA and -45- HALSTEAD, 1970) and a related species Demania a1ca1ai was shown to be highly lethal (CARUMBANA et a1., 1976).
    [Show full text]
  • Palytoxin-Containing Aquarium Soft Corals As an Emerging Sanitary Problem
    marine drugs Review Palytoxin-Containing Aquarium Soft Corals as an Emerging Sanitary Problem Marco Pelin, Valentina Brovedani, Silvio Sosa and Aurelia Tubaro * Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Valerio 6, 34127 Trieste, Italy; [email protected] (M.P.); [email protected] (V.B.); [email protected] (S.S.) * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +39-040-558-8835 Academic Editor: Peer B. Jacobson Received: 1 December 2015; Accepted: 27 January 2016; Published: 4 February 2016 Abstract: Palytoxin (PLTX), one the most potent marine toxins, and/or its analogs, have been identified in different marine organisms, such as Palythoa soft corals, Ostreopsis dinoflagellates, and Trichodesmium cyanobacteria. Although the main concern for human health is PLTXs entrance in the human food chain, there is growing evidence of adverse effects associated with inhalational, cutaneous, and/or ocular exposure to aquarium soft corals contaminated by PLTXs or aquaria waters. Indeed, the number of case reports describing human poisonings after handling these cnidarians is continuously increasing. In general, the signs and symptoms involve mainly the respiratory (rhinorrhea and coughing), skeletomuscular (myalgia, weakness, spasms), cardiovascular (electrocardiogram alterations), gastrointestinal (nausea), and nervous (paresthesia, ataxia, tremors) systems or apparates. The widespread phenomenon, the entity of the signs and symptoms of poisoning and the lack of control in the trade of corals as aquaria decorative elements led to consider these poisonings an emerging sanitary problem. This review summarizes literature data on human poisonings due to, or ascribed to, PLTX-containing soft corals, focusing on the different PLTX congeners identified in these organisms and their toxic potential.
    [Show full text]
  • Dangerous Reef Aquaristics: Palytoxin of a Brown Encrusting Anemone Causes Toxic Corneal Reactions
    Zurich Open Repository and Archive University of Zurich Main Library Strickhofstrasse 39 CH-8057 Zurich www.zora.uzh.ch Year: 2015 Dangerous reef aquaristics: Palytoxin of a brown encrusting anemone causes toxic corneal reactions Ruiz, Yasmin ; Fuchs, Joan ; Beuschel, Ralf ; Tschopp, Markus ; Goldblum, David Abstract: Although frequently observed in domestic saltwater aquariums, literature on exposure to paly- toxin (PTX) of encrusting anemones (Zoanthidea) kept in aquariums is rare. Handling these animals for propagation purposes or during cleaning work can lead to dermal, ocular or respiratory contact with the PTX generated by some Zoanthids. The present study describes a case of ocular exposure to liquid from a Zoanthid, which led to corneal ulcers. The patient also suffered from systemic symptoms of dyspnea and shivering and a suspected rhabdomyolysis, which required monitoring in the Intensive Care Unit. After symptomatic treatment provided insufficient results, the corneal ulcers improved with an amniotic membrane transplantation. A review of the literature regarding ocular exposures to this diverse order of Hexacorallia reveals that severe and systemic symptoms can develop with minimal contact. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxicon.2015.09.001 Posted at the Zurich Open Repository and Archive, University of Zurich ZORA URL: https://doi.org/10.5167/uzh-120759 Journal Article Accepted Version The following work is licensed under a Creative Commons: Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) License. Originally published at: Ruiz, Yasmin; Fuchs, Joan; Beuschel, Ralf; Tschopp, Markus; Goldblum, David (2015). Dangerous reef aquaristics: Palytoxin of a brown encrusting anemone causes toxic corneal reactions. Toxicon, 106:42-45.
    [Show full text]