Which shellfish toxin is associated with Diarrheic Shellfish Poisoning (DSP)?

Which shellfish toxin is associated with Diarrheic Shellfish Poisoning (DSP)?

• A. Nitrates
• B. Okadaic Acid
• C. Online Training
• D. Operation

Answer: (B)

Diarrheic Shellfish Poisoning is caused by toxins from certain dinoflagellates, specifically okadaic acid and related dinophysistoxins, which shellfish can accumulate as they filter feed. Ingesting shellfish contaminated with these toxins leads to the characteristic diarrhea and abdominal cramps of DSP. Okadaic acid works by inhibiting protein phosphatases (PP1 and PP2A), causing hyperphosphorylation and disruption of intestinal cells, which produces the diarrheal effect. These toxins are heat-stable, so cooking does not destroy them, and they can accumulate in shellfish like mussels, oysters, and clams. Nitrates are unrelated to DSP toxins, and the remaining options are not toxins associated with shellfish poisoning.

Diarrheic Shellfish Poisoning is caused by toxins from certain dinoflagellates, specifically okadaic acid and related dinophysistoxins, which shellfish can accumulate as they filter feed. Ingesting shellfish contaminated with these toxins leads to the characteristic diarrhea and abdominal cramps of DSP. Okadaic acid works by inhibiting protein phosphatases (PP1 and PP2A), causing hyperphosphorylation and disruption of intestinal cells, which produces the diarrheal effect. These toxins are heat-stable, so cooking does not destroy them, and they can accumulate in shellfish like mussels, oysters, and clams.

Nitrates are unrelated to DSP toxins, and the remaining options are not toxins associated with shellfish poisoning.