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paralytic shellfish poisoning
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paralytic shellfish poisoning

pathology
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Quick Summary

Paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) is an illness caused by eating mussels and clams that have consumed toxic plankton, specifically dinoflagellates. Symptoms typically begin within 10 minutes of ingestion and include tingling and numbness of the lips and fingertips, dry throat, staggering, giddiness, and incoherent speech. In severe cases, respiratory paralysis and death can occur, though survival is likely if the individual overcomes the initial 12 hours of illness. The poison involved is known as saxitoxin, a complex compound for which there is no specific antidote. Public health regulations are crucial for avoiding this type of poisoning.12

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  1. shellfish poisoning
  2. poison - Protistan poisons

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