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This story was printed from Biological and
Chemical Agents,
located at /27393/dreamwvr/agents/mycotoxin1.htm
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MYCOTOXINS
INTRODUCTION
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.
PRECAUTIONS
An attack with Trichothecene Mycotoxins should be suspected if an
aerosol attack happens in the form of ‘yellow rain’, with droplets of yellow
fluid falling from the sky. Confirmation requires a blood test. Either that or
someone is pissing on you.
Mycotoxins are not infectious or contagious so isolation is unnecessary.
Improperly stored grain, especially under wet and cold conditions, may be badly
infected by trichothecene-producing molds. Macrocyclic trichothecene mycotoxins
may be liberated upon burning so contaminated clothing and hospital dressings
should be steam sterilized and not burnt. Mixtures of macrocyclic trichothecenes
are very potent and can cause death within 24 hours. Consumption of contaminated
food and water should be avoided.
For protection, a gas mask and protective clothing is required. No vaccine has
been developed yet. If exposed, wash contaminated skin with soap and water and
irrigate eye with copius saline. Super-activated charcoal should be taken orally
if the toxin was swallowed, to reduce absorption from the gut. Supportive
therapy should also be provided when required to improve cardiovascular
functions.
BIOLOGICAL WARFARE AND TRICHOTHECENE MYCOTOXINS
Shortly after WWII, Russian military added species of Fusarium to
flour and the flour was baked into bread and ingested by civilians. Some of them
developed a lethal illness, Ailementary Toxic Aleukia, which is characterized by
initial symptoms of abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, prostration and with
days, fever, chills, myalgias, and bone marrow depression with granulocytopenia
and secondary sepsis. If the victim still lives, the victim will develop painful
pharyngeal/laryngeal ulceration and diffuse bleeding into the skin, melena,
bloody diarrhea, hematuria, hemalemesis, epistaxsis, and vaginal bleeding.
The United States and Britain had used Trichothecene Mycotoxins against Iraq in
the 1991 war.
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