MYCOTOXINS

NAGARJUN T G N
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
KSRCTFT
• A mycotoxin {from Greek (mykes, mukos) means
"fungus" and (toxikon) means"poison“} , a toxic
secondary metabolite which is produced by
organisms of the fungi kingdom, commonly
known as molds.
• toxic substances produced by fungi (molds)
growing on crops/grains in the field or in storage.
• Secondary metabolites (chemicals) of a fungus
that produce toxic results in another organism.
• Unlike bacterial toxins, fungal toxins (mycotoxins)
are not proteins and therefore are not usually
detectable by the immune systems of humans and
animals
• Lack of visible appearance of fungus does not
negate presence of mycotoxins.
• Toxins can remain in the organism after fungus
has been removed.
• Cytotoxic: disrupt cell structures such as
membranes, and processes such as protein,
DNA, and RNA synthesis.
• Can be heat stable, not destroyed by canning
or other processes.
Route of infection
Direct food consumption/inhalation
 Toxicity of Mycotoxins
• Acute toxicity
• Chronic toxicity
• Mutagenic & Teratogenic toxicity
 Acute toxicity
• Deterioration of liver and kidney functions,
leading to death in extreme cases
• Interference with protein synthesis
• Skin sensitivity affected
• Immunodeficiency
• Neurotoxins cause trembling in small doses
and brain damage or death in slightly higher
doses
 Chronic toxicity - Carcinogenic
• Induction of cancer (Liver, oesophagus)
• Induction of tumors
• Induction is never detected at the time of
ingestion and remains undetected till the
disease is advanced
 Mutagenic & Teratogenic toxicity
• Replication of DNA is affected producing
mutagenic and teratogenic effects
 Mycotoxin Toxicity: Effect on Humans
• Physiological and pathological changes
• Food poisoning
• Inhibition of protein synthesis & Alteration of capacity
of cells to proliferate
• Increase of tryptophan in blood and brain (affects
appetite, muscular co-ordination and sleep
• Nausea ,Vomiting
• Headache
• Abdominal pain, Diarrhoea Giddiness
• Reproductive and mammary changes
• Precocious pubertal changes in children
 Major types of Mycotoxins
• Aflatoxins : B1 , B2 , G1 , and G2.
• Ochratoxin: Ochratoxin A (OTA), Ochratoxin B
(OTB), Ochratoxin C (OTC)
• Citrinin
• Ergot Alkaloids
• Patulin
 FOOD SOURCES
Fusarium sp.
plant pathogens in soil
• corn, wheat, barley, beans
• toxins target the circulatory, alimentary, skin,
and nervous systems.
Fusarium graminearum – Wheat
Causes scab damage to kernels and head
blight. Produces deoxynivalenol (DON), also called
vomitotoxin.
Fusarium graminearum – Maize (Corn)
Produces the toxins: Aflatoxins, Tricothecenes,
Fumonisins , zearalenone (ZEN), and T-2 toxins.
Have damaging effects on plants, humans, and
other animals with monogastric digestive
processes.
 Mechanism Of Toxicity
• Bind to DNA and RNA
• Alters protein synthesis and functions (e.g.
enzymes)
• Oxidative stress (e.g. lipid peroxidation)
• Depletes antioxidants
• Alters cell membrane function and transport
• Alters apoptosis
 Types of Tests for Mycotoxins
Quick Test (Qualitative)
 Immunoassays (Elisa tests)
 Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC)
Use: Detect Specific Mycotoxin
Confirmatory Tests (Quantitative)
High Pressure Liquid Chromatography(HPLC)
Use:
Determine level of mycotoxins
Detect several mycotoxins
 Managing Mycotoxin Problems
• Ensure adequate levels of vitamins (A,E,B-1)
and minerals (Cu,Zn,Mn).