Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Scombrotoxic fish poisoning
Introduction
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Synonyms and keywords: Scombroid; histamine fish poisoning
Overview
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Overview
Scombrotoxic fish poisoning, also known as scombroid toxicity or scombrotoxic poisoning is a form of food poisoning. It is caused by histamine and histamine-like products of bacterial breakdown of seafood, inhibiting its metabolism. The exact aetiology is complicated as histamine is not generally absorbed via the gut and administration of oral histamine does not replicate the symptoms. Foods notably associated with it are: tuna, mackerel, and bonito.
Pathophysiology
Scombrotoxic fish poisoning is caused by bacterial spoilage of certain finfish such as tuna, mackerel, bonito, and, rarely, other fish. As bacteria break down fish proteins, byproducts such as histamine and other substances that block histamine breakdown build up in fish.
Epidemiology and Demographics
Eating spoiled fish that have high levels of histamines can cause human disease.
Risk Factors
Symptoms may be more severe in patients taking certain medications that slow the breakdown of histamine by their liver, such as isoniazide and doxycycline.
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
The most common symptoms are; rash, diarrhea, flushing, sweating, headache and vomiting.
Medical Therapy
Treatment is generally unnecessary, but antihistamines or epinephrine may be needed in certain instances.
References
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/marinetoxins_g.htm
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Historical Perspective
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References
Pathophysiology
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Overview
Scombrotoxic fish poisoning is caused by bacterial spoilage of certain finfish such as tuna, mackerel, bonito, and, rarely, other fish. As bacteria break down fish proteins, byproducts such as histamine and other substances that block histamine breakdown build up in fish.
References
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/marinetoxins_g.htm
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Differentiating Scombrotoxic fish poisoning from other Diseases
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References
Epidemiology and Demographics
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Overview
Eating spoiled fish that have high levels of histamines can cause human disease.
References
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/marinetoxins_g.htm
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Risk Factors
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Overview
Symptoms may be more severe in patients taking certain medications that slow the breakdown of histamine by their liver, such as isoniazide and doxycycline.
References
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/marinetoxins_g.htm
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
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References
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms | Physical Examination | Laboratory Findings | Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Treatment
Medical Therapy | Prevention | Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy | Future or Investigational Therapies
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]