Definitions for "Ciguatera"
A human intoxication caused by ingestion of tropical piscivorous reef fishes contaminated with toxin- producing benthic/epiphytic dinoflagellates. These fish accumulate biotoxins through the food chain (Steidinger 1993). More than 175 separate gastrointestinal, neurotoxic, or cardiovascular symptoms may be associated with this poisoning (Becker & Sanders 1991). In extreme cases death can result from respiratory failure. Although incidence is high, human mortality is low (Hallegraeff 1995).
An illness caused by consumption of seafood contaminated with ciguatoxin. The illness, characterized by stomach upset and flulike symptoms, may also cause muscular and nervous system problems.
a disease caused by the ingestion of fish or other marine organisms that have a high concentration of a naturally occurring toxin, ciguatoxin, stored in their tissues.