A Case Series of Potential Pediatric Cyanotoxin Exposures Associated with Harmful Algal Blooms in Northwest Ohio
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Published:2023-11-20
Issue:6
Volume:15
Page:726-734
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ISSN:2036-7449
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Container-title:Infectious Disease Reports
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language:en
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Short-container-title:Infectious Disease Reports
Author:
French Benjamin W.1, Kaul Rajat2, George Jerrin1, Haller Steven T.1ORCID, Kennedy David J.1ORCID, Mukundan Deepa2
Affiliation:
1. Department of Medicine, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA 2. Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine and Life Science, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
Abstract
Cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (CyanoHABs) are increasing in prevalence and severity in the Great Lakes region, as well as both globally and locally. CyanoHABs have the potential to cause adverse effects on human health due to the production of cyanotoxins from cyanobacteria. Common routes of exposure include recreational exposure (swimming, skiing, and boating), ingestion, and aerosolization of contaminated water sources. Cyanotoxins have been shown to adversely affect several major organ systems contributing to hepatotoxicity, gastrointestinal distress, and pulmonary inflammation. We present three pediatric case reports that coincided with CyanoHABs exposure with a focus on presentation of illness, diagnostic work-up, and treatment of CyanoHAB-related illnesses. Potential cyanotoxin exposure occurred while swimming in the Maumee River and Maumee Bay of Lake Erie in Ohio during the summer months with confirmed CyanoHAB activity. Primary symptoms included generalized macular rash, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and severe respiratory distress. Significant labs included leukocytosis and elevated C-reactive protein. All patients ultimately recovered with supportive care. Symptoms following potential cyanotoxin exposure coincide with multiple disease states representing an urgent need to develop specific diagnostic tests of exposure.
Funder
Ohio Department of Higher Education David and Helen Boone Foundation Research Fund
Subject
Infectious Diseases
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