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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 M 1 is present in the fermentation broth of Aspergillus parasiticus, but it and aflatoxin M 2 are also produced when an infected liver metabolizes aflatoxin B 1 and B 2. Aflatoxin B 1 and B 2 (AFB), produced by A. flavus and A. parasiticus; Aflatoxin G 1 and G 2 (AFG), produced by some Group II A. flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus [19]
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.
Citrinin is a mycotoxin which is often found in food. It is a secondary metabolite produced by fungi that contaminates long-stored food and it can cause a variety of toxic effects, including kidney, liver and cell damage. Citrinin is mainly found in stored grains, but sometimes also in fruits and other plant products.
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.
This disease was the turning point for the use of the term mycotoxin. In the 1960s, about 100,000 turkey poults died near London, England due to peanut meal that was contaminated by Mycotoxins produced by Aspergillus flavus. Studies showed that the age group that was most affected was turkeys from two to twenty weeks old.
The trichothecene mycotoxins can be absorbed though topical, oral, and inhalational routes. [21] Trichothecenes differ from most other potential weapon toxins since they can act through the skin, which is attributed to their amphipathic and lipophilic characteristics.