We report 23 cases of poisoning, 4 fatal, due to ingestion of coconut crab, Birgus latro, in New Caledonia. Clinical and biological features of this poisoning are characterized, and the toxin complex is described. We suggest a treatment strategy based on digoxin-specific antibody fragments for patients in a life-threatening condition.
Keywords: Birgus latro; Cerbera manghas; New Caledonia; coconut crab; digoxin-specific antibody fragments; poisoning; red-eye-sea mango tree.