Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by microfungi that are capable of causing diseases in humans and other animals. Because of their pharmacological activity, some mycotoxins or mycotoxin derivatives have found use as antibiotics, growth promotants, and other kinds of drugs; still others have been implicated as chemical warfare agents. Some important mycotoxins that are associated with human and veterinary diseases, include aflatoxin, citrinin, ergot alkaloids, fumonisins, ochratoxin A, patulin, trichothecenes, and zearalenone.
Mycotoxin testing may be performed for the fungi listed below:
Aspergillus
Aspergillus is one of the most prevalent mold groups in the environment. It has caused billions of dollars of in damage to crops and livestock. Mycotoxin testing can be performed for aflatoxins and ochratoxins; two of the most common Aspergillus mycotoxins. The main target of these toxins is the liver. Diseases caused by Aspergillus are called aspergillosis. The most common route of infection is through the respiratory system. Aspergillus can cause severe asthma when the mold colonizes the lung, forming a granulomatous disease.
Penicillium
There are over 200 species of Penicillium that have been discovered. Penicillium chrysogenum is one of the most common of these species. It is often found in indoor environments and is responsible for many allergic reactions. In the home, Penicillium can be found in wallpaper, carpet, furniture, and fiberglass insulation. Mycotoxin testing is available for ochratoxin (OTA), the most common mycotoxin produced by Penicillium. Ochratoxin is nephrotoxic, which means that it damages the kidneys. It is also carcinogenic.
Stachybotrys
Stachybotrys is a greenish-black mold. This mold can grow on materials with high cellulose and low nitrogen content such as gypsum board, paper, fiberboard, and ceiling tiles. Stachybotrys is known for its production of the highly toxic macrocyclic trichothecene mycotoxins. Two of the more common mycotoxins produced by Stachybotrys are roridin E and verrucarin. In addition to these mycotoxins, the fungus produces nine phenylspirodrimanes, as well as cyclosporine, which are potent immunosuppressors. These immunosupressors along with the mycotoxin trichothecenes may be responsible for the high toxicity of Stachybotrys.
Fusarium
Fusarium’s major mycotoxins are zearalenone (ZEN) and fumonisin. Fusarium fungi grow best in temperate climate conditions. They require lower temperatures for growth than Aspergillus. Exposure to mycotoxins from Fusarium can lead to both acute and chronic effects. These symptoms can include abdominal distress, malaise, diarrhea, emesis, and death. ZEN possesses estrogenic effects and has been implicated in reproductive disorders.
