Chelonians refer to an order of reptiles with an external shell that includes turtles and tortoises. Some sea turtles are poisonous if eaten due to the presence of chelonitoxins. The liver may be be especially toxic.
Consequences of ingesting sea turtle meat:
(1) acute stomatitis with burning and ulcerations
(2) nausea and vomiting
(3) dysphagia
(4) diarrhea
(5) epigastric pain
(6) sweating
(7) tachycardia
(8) cold extremities
(9) vertigo
Severe intoxications can result in:
(1) coma
(2) respiratory failure
(3) hepatic necrosis
(4) multi-organ failure with death
The differential diagnosis includes Salmonellosis, other enteric bacteria and parasites.
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