Ciguatera in the Indian Ocean with Special Insights on the Arabian Sea and Adjacent Gulf and Seas: A Review

The dinoflagellates of the genus Gambierdiscus are found in almost all oceans and seas between the coordinates 35 degrees N and 35 degrees S. Gambierdiscus and Fukuyoa are producers of ciguatoxins (CTXs), which are known to cause foodborne disease associated with contaminated seafood. The occurrence and effects of CTXs are well described in the Pacific and the Caribbean. However, historically, their properties and presence have been poorly documented in the Indian Ocean (including the Bay of Bengal, Andaman Sea, and the Gulf). A higher occurrence of these microorganisms will proportionately increase the likelihood of CTXs entering the food chain, posing a severe threat to human seafood consumers. Therefore, comprehensive research strategies are critically important for developing effective monitoring and risk assessments of this emerging threat in the Indian Ocean. This review presents the available literature on ciguatera occurrence in the region and its adjacent marginal waters: aiming to identify the data gaps and vectors.

Automated summary

Gambierdiscus and Fukuyoa are producers of ciguatoxins known to cause foodborne disease, with a lack of documentation historically in the Indian Ocean region. Higher occurrence of these microorganisms could increase the risk of ciguatoxins entering the food chain, posing a severe threat to human seafood consumers. Comprehensive research strategies are critical for developing effective monitoring and risk assessments of this emerging threat in the Indian Ocean.