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EuroCigua II - SA 2 - Epidemiology of Ciguatera poisoning in the European Union (EuroCigua II)

09/2022-09/2025

Funding programme / funding institution: Europäische Behörde für Lebensmittelsicherheit (EFSA) - Italien

Grant number: GP/EFSA/KNOW/2022/03

Project homepage: -

Project description:

Ciguatera is the most common fish poisoning worldwide, occurring in all tropical regions. Ciguatera is caused by so-called ciguatoxins, which are produced by microalgae and accumulated in large fish via the food chain. Preparation, e.g. cooking, cannot render ciguatoxins harmless. In addition to the appearance of gastrointestinal symptoms, the nervous system is affected by ciguatoxins. Cold allodynia is characteristic of Ciguatera, whereby cold stimuli are perceived as pain, and unbearable itching occurs. There is no specific therapy. In Europe, Ciguatera occurs autochthonously on the Canary Islands and Madeira. Therefore, the first EuroCigua project was carried out in 2016-2020, which is now being continued with the EuroCigua II, since, among other reasons, no harmonized methods for the detection of ciguatoxins (CTX) have been established in Europe and there is still a lack of reference materials. In the EuroCigua II project, the BfR is actively involved in the working group on the epidemiology of Ciguatera in Europe. The focus on recording Ciguatera cases and outbreaks caused by imported fish is new. Ciguatera cases can be reported to the BfR, and associated leftovers from fish meals can be sent to the BfR.

Project partners:

• Carlos III Institut für Gesundheit (ISCIII) - Spanien
• National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge (INSA) - Portugal
• French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) - Frankreich
• National Institute For Public Health and The Environment (RIVM) - Niederlande

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