Evaluation of tetrodotoxins in puffer fish caught along the Mediterranean coast of Spain. Toxin profile of Lagocephalus sceleratus

Maria Rambla-Alegre*, Laia Reverté, Vanessa Del Río, Pablo de la Iglesia, Oscar Palacios, Cintia Flores, Josep Caixach, Katrina Campbell, Christopher T. Elliott, Andrés Izquierdo-Muñoz, Mònica Campàs, Jorge Diogène

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

54 Citations (Scopus)
838 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Although consumption of Tetraodontidae species is prohibited in the EU, intoxications are still reported. The evaluation of tetrodotoxins (TTXs) by mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS and LC-HRMS) and a screening immunoassay (mELISA) in tetraodontid fishes caught along the Western Mediterranean Sea revealed high concentrations of TTXs in Lagocephalus sceleratus while no TTXs were identified in L. lagocephalus and Sphoeroides pachygaster individuals. The high TTXs content found in the L. sceleratus analysed herein demonstrate the occurrence of highly toxic puffer fish in the Western Mediterranean Sea. Being L. sceleratus a recent invasive species in the Mediterranean, surveillance, risk assessment and risk management measures are necessary. The strategy used within this research work could be a valuable tool for future food safety monitoring.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1-6
JournalEnvironmental Research
Volume158
Early online date03 Jun 2017
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 01 Oct 2017

Keywords

  • Lagocephalus sceleratus
  • Mass spectrometry
  • mELISA
  • Puffer fish
  • Tetrodotoxin

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biochemistry
  • General Environmental Science

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