Identification of Kudoa septempunctata as the Causative Agent of Novel Food Poisoning Outbreaks in Japan by Consumption of Paralichthys olivaceus in Raw Fish

TLDR

The cause of food‑borne illnesses from raw fish in Japan has been unclear. Since 2003, Japan has seen rising outbreaks of a self‑limiting food‑borne illness linked to raw fish, causing diarrhea and vomiting within 2–20 hours, with no known bacterial, viral, or chemical agents identified.

Abstract

Background. Outbreaks of an unidentified food-borne illness associated with the consumption of raw fish have increased in Japan since 2003. Those affected with this illness develop diarrhea and emesis within 2–20 hours after a meal including raw fish. No known causative agents such as bacteria, viruses, bacterial toxins, or toxic chemicals have been detected in the foods that were ingested. Fortunately, this illness is self-limiting with good prognosis in all cases.