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dinoflagellate of death by Matt Webster (mza@disinfo.net) - December 20, 2000 |
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| A mysterious microscopic dinoflagellate, toxic to both human and aquatic life, has been identified as responsible for making a bloody mess of millions of fish up and down the American east coast. Pfiesteria piscicida lives in a dormant, cyst-like state on river bottoms, until passing schools of fish prompt its transformation into a larger organism that secretes a toxin which paralyzes the fish. At the same time, the dinoflagellate develops a cellular extension that attaches itself to the flesh of the sedated animals, causing lesions and eventually death. Lab workers and researchers have become seriously ill after touching or inhaling Pfiesteria fumes, with symptoms including blurred vision, breathing difficulty, narcosis, and severe memory loss. Additionally, fishermen that have come into contact with the deadly 'dino' have developed sores like those appearing in massive fish kills in waters off of North Carolina and elsewhere. As indicated by Dr. Alan Cantwell in his excellent article appearing in Issue 21 of Paranoia Magazine, Pfiesteria's prevalence could have ominous implications for the future of biological warfare. Beyond the physical damage the microbe is capable of, think of the psychological devastation wrought by seeing one's comrades stripped of their flesh. In any case, this complex, terrifying creature, which passes through at least twenty-four different forms in its life cycle, poses a serious threat to the already dwindling Atlantic fish population, and quite possibly for humankind as well. |
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The Harmful Algae Page Harmful Algal Blooms In North Carolina The Fuss Over Pfiesteria The Cell From Hell Pfiesteria: Killer! Scientists Track Down "Phantom" Fish Killer U.S. E.P.A: Pfiesteria Piscicida Home Page Pfiesteria & Fish Health |
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