What Is Cyanobacteria?

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Cyanobacteria are a group of bacteria found throughout the world. They grow in any type of water (fresh, brackish, or marine) and are photosynthetic: They use sunlight to create food and survive. Normally microscopic, cyanobacteria can become clearly visible in warm, nutrient-rich environments, which allow them to grow quickly and “bloom” in lakes and other bodies of water. These bacteria are commonly known as “blue-green algae” because of their color, texture, and aquatic location, notes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — but unlike true algae, they are not plants. Cyanobacteria Blooms Blooms of cyanobacteria — when the population of cyanobacteria explodes — typically occur in still or slow-moving water, such as lakes, ponds, and weak streams, when the water is warm, gets plenty of sunlight, and is rich in nutrients like phosphorous and nitrogen. In the United States, these blooms occur most often in summer and early fall, although they can occur any time of year, according to the CDC. Because most cyanobacteria species float in water, blooms often appear as foam, scum, or mats on the water’s surface and can cause clear water to become cloudy. Though typically blue-green in color, cyanobacteria blooms can also be blue, bright green, brown, or red, resembling paint floating on the water. In some cases, cyanobacteria blooms don’t affect the water’s appearance, making it difficult to know if a bloom is occurring. At the end of a bloom, when the cyanobacteria are dying off, the water may smell bad, similar to rotting plants, notes the CDC . Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) Cyanobacteria can be helpful by providing nutrients to plants such as rice and beans. However, cyanobacteria blooms can also be dangerous. Cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms — known as HABs or CyanoHABs — can use up the oxygen in water and block sunlight that freshwater plants and animals need to survive, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) . Some cyanobacteria also produce potent toxins, called cyanotoxins, during CyanoHABs. In the United States, the most common cyanotoxin-producing varieties are Microcystis, Dolichospermum (previously known as Anabaena), and Planktothrix , which produce toxins in the microcystin, cylindrospermopsin, anatoxin, and saxitoxin classes, per the EPA. Health Effects of Cyanotoxins Exposure to cyanotoxins, caused by drinking or swimming in contaminated water, or breathing air containing cyanobacteria or their toxins, can affect the skin, nervous system, and liver. According to the CDC , a wide range of symptoms can develop from cyanotoxin exposure, including: Skin irritation and rashes Stomach cramps Nausea and vomiting Diarrhea Fever Headache Sore throat Muscle and joint pain Mouth blisters and ulcers Allergic responses Trouble breathing Burning or tingling in fingers and toes Drowsiness Slurred speech Increased salivation Life-threatening liver damage may also develop in people exposed to cyanobacteria through contaminated dialysis water. Dogs often become victims of cyanobacteria blooms when they swim in or drink contaminated water. Diagnosis and Treatment Specialized labs can perform tests to identify the presence of cyanobacteria or cyanotoxins, but there are no diagnostic tests for cyanotoxins clinically available. However, your doctor might test for illnesses related to the bacterial infection. According to the CDC , these tests include: Electrolytes and liver enzymes Renal function tests, serum glucose, and urine tests to check for proteinuria (protein in urine) and glycosuria (an excess of sugar in urine) Chest radiograph, if you’re experiencing respiratory symptoms As the CDC notes, there are no specific antidotes for cyanotoxins or specific treatments for illnesses caused by them in humans. Treatment typically involves alleviating symptoms. If the exposure is through the ingestion of contaminated food or water, treatment involves avoiding the contaminated substance and possibly replenishing fluids and electrolytes. The CDC notes that activated charcoal can be considered if the patient arrives within one to two hours after a toxic ingestion. If aerosolized toxins are inhaled, move to a noncontaminated area and treat your respiratory symptoms. If your skin comes in contact with contaminated water, remove clothing and jewelry, and wash with soap and water for 10 to 15 minutes. Antihistamines and steroids may provide relief of symptoms. And if your eyes are exposed to contaminated water, rinse them with normal saline for at least 15 minutes (remove contacts if you’re wearing them). If symptoms persist, see an ophthalmologist. Protect Your Pet The EPA recommends keeping your dog away from water that looks slimy, has foam and scum on the surface, has a strange color, or smells bad. If you think your dog has been exposed, rinse them immediately in clean water, and wear gloves to protect yourself. Keep an eye out for symptoms such as diarrhea or vomiting, weakness or staggering, drooling, and difficulty breathing or convulsions. If any of these symptoms develop, take your pet to the vet right away. Prevention Avoid drinking the water and engaging in aquatic activities in areas where the water is discolored or has an unpleasant odor, and where foam or scum is visible. Make sure to check and follow fishing and swimming advisories as well as drinking water advisories.

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