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Fumonisins were the most recent mycotoxin found to affect humans and animals negatively. The most produced toxin for this group of fungi is fumonisin B1. [ 2 ] Studies have shown that it can cause diseases such as equine leukoencephalomalacia in horses, hydrothorax and porcine pulmonary edema in swine, and it can negatively affect the immune ...
A mycotoxin (from the Greek μύκης mykes, "fungus" and τοξικός toxikos, "poisonous") [1] [2] is a toxic secondary metabolite produced by fungi [3] [4] and is capable of causing disease and death in both humans and other animals.
Mycotoxicology is the branch of mycology that focuses on analyzing and studying the toxins produced by fungi, known as mycotoxins. [1] In the food industry it is important to adopt measures that keep mycotoxin levels as low as practicable, especially those that are heat-stable.
Aflatoxin transformation products are sometimes found in eggs, milk products, and meat when animals are fed contaminated grains. [2] [27] A study conducted in Kenya and Mali found that the predominant practices for drying and storage of maize were inadequate in minimizing exposure to aflatoxins. [28]
Aflatoxin B 1 is an aflatoxin produced by Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus.It is a very potent carcinogen with a TD 50 3.2 μg/kg/day in rats. [4] This carcinogenic potency varies across species with some, such as rats and monkeys, seemingly much more susceptible than others.
However, AFM1 was also found in lactating mothers' milk. [4] Several studies reported carcinogenic [5] and immunosuppressive effects [6] similar to that of AFB1, on both humans and other animals, even if with a less potent effect. However, AFM1 is the only mycotoxin for which maximum residue limits (MRLs) in milk were established. [7]
In addition to killing the prey, part of the function of a haemotoxic venom for some animals is to aid digestion. The venom breaks down protein in the region of the bite, making prey easier to digest. The process by which a haemotoxin causes death is much slower than that of a neurotoxin. Snakes which envenomate a prey animal may have to track ...
Nivalenol (NIV) is a mycotoxin of the trichothecene group. In nature it is mainly found in fungi of the Fusarium species. The Fusarium species belongs to the most prevalent mycotoxin producing fungi in the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere, therefore making them a considerable risk for the food crop production industry.