Metro Manila, Philippines— Scientists have found two types of toxic microscopic aquatic organisms in shellfish farms in Luzon, posing potential health risks for millions of consumers.
The algae, called “pseudo-nitzschia,” can release a toxin called domoic acid (DA) that can cause amnesic shellfish poisoning, said scientists from Ateneo de Manila University and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak who conducted research in shellfish farms in Bacoor Bay and Pagbilao Bay in Luzon.
They said people who consume shellfish with high DA levels can exhibit symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and, in severe cases, even memory loss that can become permanent.
The scientists identified two organisms that produced the toxin. The team also noted the discovery of what it called ‘P. brasiliana’ in Luzon for the first time.
“It is important to be aware of the toxic potential of these diatoms and to monitor them accordingly, but such efforts must begin by establishing their presence in our waters,” said researchers Lorenzo A. Botavara, Janice A. Ragaza, Hong Chang Lim, and Sing Tung Teng.
They said the toxic organisms can sometimes grow rapidly in what are called algal blooms, commonly known as “red tides” because of the discoloration effect, that can accumulate in shellfish such as clams and mussels.
