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Diarrheic Shellfish Poisoning (DSP)

Algal Species (found in the Gulf of Mexico) that cause DSP
Dinophysis species
For example: D. acuminata and D. caudata

Prorocentrum species
For example: P. lima and P. hoffmanianum

Toxins
Okadaic acid
Pectenotoxins
Dinophysistoxins

Human Symptoms/Illnesses
Symptoms appear within 30 minutes–12 hours (average incubation is 4 hours)
Symptoms disappear within 3 days

Factors Affecting Degree of Toxicity
Amount of toxin ingested
Transformation of toxins
Rate of toxin elimination

Diagnosis
Consumption of seafood before sickness
Can examine food specimen

Symptoms
Vomiting
Abdominal cramps/pain
Diarrhea
Chills
Nausea

Seafood Associated with DSP
Scallops (digestive gland)
Mussels (digestive gland)
Short-necked clams (digestive gland)

DSP Cases in the U.S.
No cases confirmed in U.S. (except an unconfirmed case in New York)
Most cases have occurred in Japan and Europe

DSP Cases in the Gulf of Mexico
None