MYCOTOXINS
Trichothecene Mycotoxins are produced by fungi of the genera Fusarium, Myrotecium, Trichoderma, Stachybotrys and others. They inhibit protein synthesis, impair DNA synthesis, alter cell membrane structure and function, and inhibit mitochondrial respiration. The toxins, protein in nature, have a low molecular weight. They also contain food refusal and emetic factors.
Trichothecene mycotoxins are highly persistent and stable for long periods of time. 0.5mg of the poison is enough to kill half the exposed humans. The skin of the victims can be irritated if the skin is exposed to the toxins. They can also cause radiomimetic injury of intestines, bone marrow, lymph nodes, spleen and thymus, leading to leukopenia and bone marrow atrophy.
Effects are also found on central nervous, circulatory and reproductive systems. After about 8 weeks from exposure to Normocyclic Trichothecenes, one will suffer from Alimentary Toxic Aleukia; burning sensation in the alimentary tract, vomiting, tachycardia, leukopenia, petechial hemorrhages with necrosis in skin and internal hemorrhages. After about 8 weeks from exposure to Macrocyclic Trichothecenes, one will suffer from Stachybotryotoxicosis, conjunctivitis, rhinitis, leukopenia, dematis and pulmonary fibrosis.