Seafood cross-contamination by tetrodotoxin (TTX): management of an unusual route of exposure

In this study, liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectroscopy was applied to detect Tetrodotoxin and analogues (TTXs) on pufferfish (Sphoeroides marmoratus) tissues, accidentally found in the stomach of a cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis). The cuttlefish tissues were also analysed. Pufferfish (digestive tract, skin, gonads, liver/spleen, muscle) and cuttlefish (mantle, head/visceral mass) tissues were tested positive for TTXs. In pufferfish, the highest concentration of TTX was found in the digestive tract (4.94 mg/ kg), while in cuttlefish in the mantle (0.21 mg/kg). The presence of TTXs in S. marmoratus was linked to its geographical area of origin while a TTXs cross-contamination of the cuttlefish was hypothesized. Despite the European ban on pufferfish commercialization, campaigns addressed to their morphological identification by consumers and operators might improve its risk management. The risk related to TTXs cross-contamination of edible seafood such as cuttlefish might require specific control measures. Moreover, the collaboration between competent authorities and medical personnel are essential for the monitoring of human poisoning.

Automated summary

Liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectroscopy was used to detect Tetrodotoxin and analogues (TTXs) in pufferfish (Sphoeroides marmoratus) tissues found in the stomach of a cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis). Both pufferfish and cuttlefish tissues tested positive for TTXs. The highest concentration of TTX was found in the pufferfish digestive tract, while in cuttlefish it was found in the mantle. The presence of TTXs in S. marmoratus was linked to geographical origin, and cross-contamination of TTXs in cuttlefish was hypothesized. Morphological identification campaigns and specific control measures are important for risk management, and collaboration between authorities and medical personnel is crucial for monitoring human poisoning.