Marine Envenomation

Description

Marine envenomation refers to poisoning caused by sting or bite from a vertebrate or invertebrate marine species

Etiology

• Sponges:
  • Contain sharp spicules with irritants that cause pruritic dermatitis
• Coelenterates (Cnidaria jellyfish):
  • Contain stinging cells known as nematocysts on their tentacles
  • Fluid-filled cysts eject sharp, hollow thread-tube on contact
  • Thread-tube penetrates skin and envenomates the victim
  • Box jellyfish can kill within minutes
• Starfish:
  • Sharp, rigid spines are coated with slimy venom
• Sea urchins:
  • Hollow, sharp spines filled with various toxins
• Sea cucumbers:
  • Hollow tentacles secrete holothurin, a liquid toxin
• Cone shells:
  • Venom injected through dart-like, detachable tooth
  • Active peptides interfere with neuromuscular transmission
  • Presents with puncture wounds similar to wasp stings
• Stingrays:
  • Most common cause of human marine envenomations
  • Tapered spines attached to tail inject venom into victim
• Scorpion fish:
  • Lionfish usually mild; stonefish can be life threatening
  • Sharp spines along dorsum and pelvis of fish
  • Often stepped on inadvertently
  • Neurotoxic venom
• Catfish:
  • Dorsal and pectoral spines contain venom glands
• Sea snakes:
  • Hollow fangs with associated venom glands
  • Highly neurotoxic venom blocks neuromuscular transmission