The Ciguatera Dinoflagellates

Abstract

AbstractThis review was undertaken with the intention of clarifying the role of marine dinoflagellates and. their varied toxins in the human disease ciguatera. Although progress in this field has been slow, great strides have been made within the last few years in the chemistry of ciguatera toxins. Due to the emphasis on toxin structure, other aspects of the ciguatera problem have received insufficient attention. However, preliminary research on dinoflagellate ecology, physiology, and genetics has provided a sound foundation for future studies. An effort has been made to include all probable dinoflagellate contributors and their respective toxins stressing their possible role in the etiology of ciguatera. Also included are sections covering ecology, culture studies, population genetics, and the physiology of toxin production.