Mycotoxin

MYCOTOXINS

PREPARED BY BIBHUTI RANJAN

GOGOIROLL NO :- 03

B.Pharm 4th year

DEFINITION

Myco: fungus.

Toxin: naturally-produced poison.

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites of fungi that are recognized as toxic to other life forms.

Can be heat stable, not destroyed by canning or other processes.

HISTORY

The term mycotoxin was used for the first time in 1961 in the aftermath of a veterinary crisis in England, during which thousands of animals died. The disease was linked to a peanut meal, incorporated in the diet, contaminated with a toxin produced by the filamentous fungus Aspergillus flavus.

Probably a means of protection from insects, microorganisms, nematodes, grazing animals and humans.

“Chemical defense system” of the fungi or mold.

Types of mycotoxins

Aflatoxins Fumonisin Ochratoxins Patulin Citrinin Trichothecenes Zearalenone

Aflatoxin

Aflatoxin is the name for a group of toxins (poisonous chemical compounds) that are produced by two fungi called Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus.

Ochratoxin

Aspergillus ochraceus and several other species including Penicillium produce seven structurally related secondary metabolites called ochratoxin.

Ochratoxin is found in a large variety of foods including wheat, corn, soybeans, barley, coffee beans, meats and cheese. Barley is thought to be the predominant source.

FumonsinsFumosins are produced by Fusarium verticillioides, F. proliferatum, and F. nygamai.

PatulinPatulin is produced by Penicillium clariform, P. expansum, P. patulum.

Mycotoxins can cause

Death. Respiratory problems. Reproductive problems. Liver, kidney or other organ damage. Cancer. Bleeding. Birth defects.

Mycotoxin Treatment

Mycotoxin poisoning is known as mycotoxicosis. There is no cure for mycotoxicosis. Antibiotics and drugs have little effect. The best treatment is to stop the exposure to mycotoxins.

CONCLUSION

Mycotoxins toxicology has bought out many adverse effects in human health and many outbreaks have occurred all over the world costing many life's. If carefully observed this toxication can be prevented. Still many new methods of preventing the toxin can be found out through research in future.