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| Format: | Artículo científico |
| Language: | en |
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Colegio de Médicos y Cirujanos de Costa Rica
2003
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| Online Access: | https://www.redalyc.org/articulo.oa?id=43445406 |
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Table of Contents:
- Floraciones algales nocivas en la costa pacífica de Costa Rica: Toxicología y sus efectos en el ecosistema y salud pública. Enrique Freer Maribel Vargas Montero Medicina Justification and Objectives: The first cases of intoxicationdue to Harmful Algae Blooms (HAB) in Costa Rica were reportedin 1990. However, towards the end of 1999 a drasticincrease of poisoned people was observed, especially alongour pacific coast. There is lack of information regarding theproblems of HAB. Due to the impact of HAB on publichealth, local tourism and the ecosystem, it is necessary todescribe toxic species and their toxins in order to apply adequatecontrol and preventive measures.Methods: Water samples were taken in various locationsalong the costarican pacific coast with the aim of detectingpotentially toxic and harmful species of microalgae. Speciesidentification was carried out morphologically by means oflight and scanning electron microscopy. These findings werecompared with current literature and the potential toxin of thesemicroalgae was proposed as well as the methods of toxicologicalanalysis and the clinical findings of those aff e c t e d .Results: Recently, an increase in the number of HAB producingmicroalgae species has been observed in Costa Rica.This study reports these findings together with ones from thoseof other authors related to HAB producing species in CostaRica. In few algal bloom samples, large intracellular bacillarybacteria were found, mainly within the dinoflagellateProrocentrum micans. This relation may be associated withthe toxicity of the algae.Discussion: It is believed that the increase in coastal zone pollutionand the transportation of species by means of ships ballastwater may be the cause of the appearance of these microalgaes.The presence of 26 dinoflagellates, 8 diatoms and1 cyanobacteria, all potentially harmful in HAB events, wascurrently demonstrated along the pacific coast of Costa Rica.These microalgae are capable of producing toxins which maycause: paralysis, amnesia, diarrheia, and neurotoxicity poisonings,ciguatera and Tamandré fever. It is important thathealth personnel be knowledgeable regarding HAB eventsand to implement an effective monitoring and program controlin Costa Rica in order to protect the population. 2003 artículo científico 0001-6002 https://www.redalyc.org/articulo.oa?id=43445406 en http://www.redalyc.org/revista.oa?id=434 Acta Médica Costarricense application/pdf Colegio de Médicos y Cirujanos de Costa Rica Acta Médica Costarricense (Costa Rica) Num.4 Vol.45