Blue-Green Algae Toxicity

Also know as: Cyanobacteria toxicity

Introduction

Blue-green algae is a type of phytoplankton found in ponds and other freshwater environments and toxic species include Anabaena and Microcystis. The algae arise following long spells of hot dry weather and hence bloom in the summer but are also associated with high levels of phosphate and nitrate in the water. These algae can be extremely toxic and can poison livestock, birds and sometimes dogs.

History and Clinical Signs

History of drinking from stagnant water source. Clinical signs can be variable but in acute cases death can occur within a few hours. In less severe cases liver damage causing jaundice and photosensitisation may lead to death. Some genera produce hepatotoxic peptides called microcytins whilst others especially Anabaena , can produce both neuro and hepatotoxins. If a toxic waterbloom contains both types of toxins, neurological signs will be seen first as these toxins act quicker than the hepatotoxins. Signs may include severe abdominal pain, vomiting and bloody diarrhoea, muscle tremors, convulsions, hyperaesthesia, staggering, dullness, recumbency, ataxia, flaccid paralysis.

Diagnosis

Based primarily on known ingestion, signs of poisoning or post-mortem identification. Microscopic examination of the algae can be undertaken to confirm the presence of the toxigenic cyanobacteria. It is possible to test water for the presence of blue-green algae. This can be done by fixing fresh samples in a 1:10 dilution of formalin or frozen water samples can be evaluated for lethality using a mouse bioassay. Additionally a biochemistry profile may suggest hepatotoxicity with raised Alanine transaminase (ALT), Aspartate transaminase (AST) and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) values.

Pathology

Inflamed and congested liver, with areas of massive or periacinar hepatic necrosis. The lungs, mesenteric vessels lymph nodes and gall bladder may show congestion. Inflammatory and congestive changes as well as the presence of clumps of algae may be present in the gastrointestinal tract.

Mechanism of toxicity

Blue green algae causes toxicity by metabolism into the cyclic peptide, microcystin. This causes dysfunctional phosphorylation of cellular keratins, leading to disruption of the normal cytoskeleton. This in turn leads to a "rounding up" effect of the hepatocytes, disruption of the hepatic sinusoids, separation of hepatocytes and excessive apoptosis, resulting in liver failure. Neuro toxins produced by certain blue-green algae include Anatoxin-a which is a potent post-synaptic depolarizing neuromuscular blocker and Anatoxin-a which is a potent acetylcholinesterase inhibitor.

Treatment

Following known ingestion, affected animals should be placed out of the sunlight. Gastric decontamination can be performed unless there is evidence of impaired neurological status. Atropine and activated charcoal can be administered to reduce the muscarinic effects of the anticholinesterase anatoxin-a(s).

Supportive treatment is required for other clinical signs which may include diarrhoea, dehydration, shock and hepatic insufficiency. To prevent toxicity animals should be kept away from infected water or algicides such as copper sulphate should be added to water sources.

Prognosis

Poor. Dependent on the degree of liver damage and quantity ingested. Prompt treatment is essential.

Blue-Green Algae Toxicity Learning Resources
Literature Search Search for recent publications via CAB Abstract (CABI log in required)	Blue-green algae toxicity
Full Text Articles Full text articles available from CAB Abstract (CABI log in required)	Harmful cyanotoxins: hepatotoxic effects of microcystin in mammalian animals. Bownik, A.; Skowron´ski, T.; Polskiego Towarzystwa Nauk Weterynaryjnych, Lublin, Poland, Medycyna Weterynaryjna, 2007, 63, 5, pp 522-524, 30 ref. - Full Text Review

References

Andrews., A.H, Humphreys., D.J (1982) Poisoning in Veterinary Practice. NOAH

3rd Year BVetMed, Alimentary Module, Toxicology (2007). p 22 RVC lecture notes

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