Ciguatera on the Tlemcen Coast (Algeria): Survey and Preliminary Data
Keywords:
Ciguatera, Ciguatoxins, Dinoflagellates, Climate change, Tlemcen coast.Abstract
Introduction: Oceans are a major source of food, but pollution and coral reef degradation encourage the proliferation of toxic microalgae such as Gambierdiscus spp., which are responsible for the production of ciguatoxins. These toxins accumulate along the food chain, causing food poisoning in humans known as ciguatera, mainly after consuming predatory fish(e.g.,grouper,barracuda). Although traditionally tropical, this illness poses an increasing threat in the Mediterranean due to climate change.
Methods: The Eurocigua project (2016–2021) confirmed the presence of these microalgae in certain Mediterranean regions, but no cases have been reported in Algeria.
Results: A local study conducted in the Tlemcen province revealed an almost complete lack of knowledge about the disease and no reported cases. However, rising temperatures and the importation of fish from high-risk areas could promote the future emergence of ciguatera in Algeria.
Conclusion: The absence of a standardized method for detecting ciguatoxins complicates monitoring. International examples (e.g. Canary Islands) demonstrate the effectiveness of systems combining chemical analyses with epidemiological surveillance.
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