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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.
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 considered the most toxic and is produced by both Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. 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 certain types of mold — aka the "ugly" — can produce toxic substances called mycotoxins under the right conditions, says Wee. These can make anyone sick and pose serious health risks.
Ochratoxin A (OTA), a mycotoxin produced by A. ochraceus, contaminates food and initiates apoptosis of plant cells. [22] Significant loss in nutritive value and hazardous effect on the food chain are caused due to the same OTA toxin contamination in barley grains of Spain. [23]
The mechanism that clostridial toxins follow includes clostridia forming pores and then the pores inserting themselves into the cell membrane of cells. Clostridial toxins have the ability to damage or alter the cell membrane damaging the extracellular matrix of the organism. Toxin A and toxin B are two toxins produced by Clostridioides difficile.
The trichothecene mycotoxins are toxic to humans, other mammals, birds, fish, a variety of invertebrates, plants, and eukaryotic cells. [21] The specific toxicity varies depending on the particular toxin and animal species, however the route of administration plays a significantly higher role in determining lethality.