Mycotoxins and Mycotoxicosis

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites made by small fungi associated with disease and death in living organisms. This is a photo taken in New Orleans after Hurrican Katrina: depicting Mold infestations in bedroom of home in a new Orleans neighborhood. This particular house did not flood and had only minor exterior damage, but small leaks during the storm plus being vacant for weeks resulted in homeowners returning to this mold infestation which is deemed unsafe because of this black mold produces mycotoxins.

Mycotoxins are natural secondary metabolites produced by fungi and that specifically have an affect on other living organisms. They are found in our food chain from our crops to meat, cheeses, spices, fruits and even in our beverages. Mycotoxins that are toxic to bacteria have become a source of our antibiotics (penicillin is a mycotoxin).  Mycotoxins that are toxic to plants are called phytotoxins.

There are several mycotoxins that affect human health in different ways. Aflatoxins are poisonous known to affect liver and cause cancer. Used in bioterrorism. Citrinin- Nephrotoxin in humans. Ergot alkaloids- Causes Erogotism (St. Anthony’s Fire). This affects CNS and Gangrene by affecting blood flow to extremities. Fumonisins- Associated with esophageal cancer in humans. Molds that Impact indoor Air Quality are Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, and Penicillium.

Mycotoxicosis is defined as  the Illness to humans and animals caused by either consumption, skin contact or inhalation. Toxins often in conditions of warmth, moisture and humidity.  More common in tropical areas.

Ways to treat mycotoxicosis include immunotherapy (administering antibodies, Consuming a low mold diet (no cheese, beer, etc). Vaccines created from fungal cultures. Prescribing antifungal medications, prescribing specific nutrients needed for detox and lastly decontaminating/remediation of the environment.

So to review, mycotoxins are secondary metabolites made by fungi that affect living organisms. Antibiotics are simply mycotoxins that are toxic to bacteria. Human health is affected by a variety of mycotoxins that affect different organs. and mycotoxicosis is an illness to animals and humans caused by mycotoxins.