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Alimentary toxic aleukia is a mycotoxin-induced condition characterized by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, leukopenia (aleukia), hemorrhaging, skin inflammation, and sometimes death. [1] Alimentary toxic aleukia almost always refers to the human condition associated with presence of T-2 Toxin. [1]
T-2 mycotoxin is a trichothecene mycotoxin. It is a naturally occurring mold byproduct of Fusarium spp. fungus which is toxic to humans and other animals. The clinical condition it causes is alimentary toxic aleukia and a host of symptoms related to organs as diverse as the skin, airway, and stomach.
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.
Severity of symptoms depends on the dose and type of exposure, but treatment is primarily focused on supporting bodily systems damaged by the mycotoxin. The first step in most exposure cases is to remove potentially contaminated clothing and to flush the sites of exposure thoroughly with water. [ 68 ]
Adult humans have a high tolerance for aflatoxin exposure and rarely succumb to acute aflatoxicosis, [31] but children are particularly affected, and their exposure can lead to stunted growth and delayed development, in addition to all the symptoms mentioned below. [5]
Temperature, water activity and pH, strongly influence mycotoxin biosynthesis by increasing the level of transcription within the fungal spore. It has also been found that low levels of fungicides can boost mycotoxin synthesis. [39] [40] Certain mycotoxins can be harmful or lethal to humans and animals when exposure is high enough. [41] [42]
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These symptoms can include pain in the area of the kidneys, thirst, vomiting, headache, and fatigue. A few species in the very large genus Cortinarius contain this toxin. People having eaten mushrooms containing orellanine may experience early symptoms as well, because the mushrooms often contain other toxins in addition to orellanine. [8]