Ciguatera strikes above all by the high number and diversity of its symptoms which are classically grouped into 5 large families: digestive, neurological, cardiovascular, rheumatological and general . In practice, more than 175 different symptoms have been identified in the medical literature.
To date, there is still no duly validated biological test allowing a diagnosis of ciguatera in patients. Currently, the diagnosis of ciguatera is based solely on the history of intoxication, the nature of the fish consumed and the symptoms. Indeed, certain symptoms such as paresthesias (itching, burning, numbness) of the extremities (hands, feet, …), of the face, of the mouth and pain on contact with a cold object or liquid , can be considered. as characteristics of the ciguatera.
Ciguatera generally has a low mortality rate (<0.1%) and has so far never been associated with the onset of serious diseases (cancer, etc.). Rare fatalities occur a few hours or even days after poisoning and are usually due to cardiovascular failure aggravated by severe dehydration caused by diarrhea and vomiting. No fatal cases related to ciguatera have been observed in the chronic phase of the disease.
While this intoxication can prove to be very debilitating over long periods of up to several decades, in the majority of cases, the symptoms end up resolving spontaneously . Today, one of the objectives of our research is to understand this phenomenon and to determine the factors that favor the disappearance of these symptoms.
In addition, if the ciguatera, is not “contagious”, it presents in certain aspects, a character “ transmissible ” : either by sexual way (which could explain the occurrence of vulvar pruritus in women during sexual intercourse with a partner. suffering from ciguatera, or pelvic pain in men during ejaculation); or from mother to child by trans-placenta or through the breast milk . In the latter case, it is strongly recommended that mothers stop breastfeeding their child for 1 month.
Finally, although exceptional, ciguatera can be responsible for premature deliveries and abortions in the event of intoxication during pregnancy.