Brevetoxiniin

Brevetoxiniin is a potent marine toxin produced by the dinoflagellate Karenia brevis, a species of algae that can cause harmful algal blooms (HABs) in coastal waters. These blooms can lead to significant ecological and economic impacts, including fish kills, bird deaths, and the closure of shellfish harvesting areas. Brevetoxiniin is a polyether toxin that affects the nervous system of marine organisms and humans. It is known to cause neurotoxic shellfish poisoning (NSP) in humans, which can result in symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and paralysis in the extremities, as well as respiratory issues. The toxin is also responsible for the formation of brevetoxin-producing neurotoxins (PNTs) in shellfish, which can accumulate in the tissues of filter-feeding organisms like mussels and clams. Monitoring and managing HABs, including those caused by Karenia brevis, is crucial for protecting public health and the marine ecosystem. Research into the detection, prediction, and mitigation of brevetoxiniin and its effects continues to be an active area of study in marine science and public health.