Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning is caused by which organism, and what toxin does it produce?

Unlock all questions

This demo includes only 20 questions. Upgrade to access hundreds of questions, flashcards, exam simulations, and disable ads.

Full question bankExam simulationsFlashcards
From $25.99Unlock all

Prepare for the ACVPM Food Protection Exam. Engage with an array of multiple choice questions, complete with hints and explanations. Equip yourself with the necessary knowledge to ensure a successful exam experience!

Multiple Choice

Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning is caused by which organism, and what toxin does it produce?

Explanation:
Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning is caused by saxitoxins, a potent family of neurotoxins produced by certain marine dinoflagellates. Pryodinium (often spelled Pyrodinium) bahamense is one such organism that makes saxitoxin. Saxitoxin blocks voltage‑gated sodium channels in nerve and muscle cells, preventing nerve impulses from firing. When shellfish accumulate these toxins, humans who eat the contaminated shellfish can develop tingling and numbness, dizziness, and, in severe cases, paralysis and respiratory failure. This pairing is the best match because the organism is a known producer of saxitoxin, the toxin responsible for PSP. The other organisms listed are associated with different toxins and syndromes: Gambierdiscus toxicus is linked to toxins that cause ciguatera fish poisoning; Karenia brevis produces brevetoxins leading to neurotoxic shellfish poisoning; Microcystis aeruginosa makes anatoxins; domoic acid causing amnesic shellfish poisoning comes from Pseudo-nitzschia.

Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning is caused by saxitoxins, a potent family of neurotoxins produced by certain marine dinoflagellates. Pryodinium (often spelled Pyrodinium) bahamense is one such organism that makes saxitoxin. Saxitoxin blocks voltage‑gated sodium channels in nerve and muscle cells, preventing nerve impulses from firing. When shellfish accumulate these toxins, humans who eat the contaminated shellfish can develop tingling and numbness, dizziness, and, in severe cases, paralysis and respiratory failure. This pairing is the best match because the organism is a known producer of saxitoxin, the toxin responsible for PSP.

The other organisms listed are associated with different toxins and syndromes: Gambierdiscus toxicus is linked to toxins that cause ciguatera fish poisoning; Karenia brevis produces brevetoxins leading to neurotoxic shellfish poisoning; Microcystis aeruginosa makes anatoxins; domoic acid causing amnesic shellfish poisoning comes from Pseudo-nitzschia.

More Multiple Choice Questions
Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy