Q. Can you explain Puffeelfish poisoning?
Tetrodotoxin (TTX) causes pufferfish (tetrodon) poisoning, also known as blowfish poisoning or fugu. How does a pufferfish look like? TTX is one of the most potent non-protein neurotoxin found in nature that blocks sodium channels of excitable cells and exposure can result in rapid death. Symptoms occur within 15 minutes of ingestion but may be observed as late as several hours later. More rapid onset of symptoms is associated with higher levels of toxin ingestion. Symptoms principally are neurologic and cardiovascular in nature and may include peri-oral (around the mouth) tingling, a floatini sensation, a feeling of overall warmth, weakness, incoordination, slurred speech, bradycardia (slow heart rate), hypotension and dyspnea (shortness of breath). Decreased levels of consciousness, seizures and death have occurred in as few as 17 minutes. TTX is concentrated in organ meat and gonads. Best precaution, therefore, is to avoid eating the organ foods.