Citreovirdin toxicosis
This severe poisoning is associated with the action of the mycotoxin citreovirdin. This toxin exhibits a pronounced tropism for neural structures and cardiomyocytes.
- Main target organs: Central nervous system (CNS) and cardiovascular system.
- Clinical manifestations: The leading symptom is descending paralysis, indicating profound damage to motor pathways.
- Prognosis: The disease is severe, with a high probability of a fatal outcome in the absence of timely supportive therapy.
Islanditoxicosis
The disease is initiated by the ingestion of toxins produced by a specific species of mold fungi—Penicillium islandicum.
The main active principle is islanditoxin. Unlike citreovirdin, this poison exhibits strict hepatotoxicity. The primary and only target mentioned in the classic picture of this toxicosis is the liver, the cells of which undergo massive destruction.
Patulin toxicosis
One of the most studied toxicoses in this group. It is caused not by a single species, but by a whole group of micromycetes belonging to the genera Penicillium (P. patulum, P. expansum, P. urticae) and Aspergillus (A. elevatus, A. terreus).
The active substance is the mycotoxin patulin.
Main sources of contamination:
- Barley malt.
- Sprouted wheat.
- Rotten apples (as well as products of their processing, e.g., cider).
Clinical picture: Patulin causes complex systemic damage. The clinical picture is dominated by signs of neurotoxicosis, pulmonary edema, intractable vomiting, and dermatitis. Epidemiologically, the disease has been actively monitored since 1954, with outbreaks and sporadic cases recorded in Germany, France, Japan, and the USA.
Briefly: answers to topical questions
What methods are used for the laboratory diagnostics of mycotoxicoses caused by Penicillium and Aspergillus?
For the laboratory diagnostics of mycotoxicoses, methods based on the indication of the fungi themselves or their metabolites are used. The study involves the extraction of the toxin from the sample with an organic solvent followed by its identification.
Main identification methods:
- Physicochemical — chromatography and spectrophotometry.
- Biological — bioassays using chicken embryos, cell cultures, laboratory animals (rats, mice, guinea pigs), birds (ducklings, pigeons), and sensitive microorganisms.
- Immunological — enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and radioimmunoassay (RIA).
To memorize the causative agents of patulin toxicosis (Penicillium), use the phrase: "Patulin Expansively Growls" (P. patulum, P. expansum, P. urticae).
Class and exam questions
Which toxin causes descending paralysis?
Descending paralysis is a characteristic clinical sign of citreoviridin toxicosis caused by the mycotoxin citreoviridin.
Which products most commonly cause patulin toxicosis?
Sources of patulin include barley malt, sprouted wheat, and rotten apples, from which cider is often produced.
Which organ is the target in islanditoxicosis?
In islanditoxicosis caused by the fungus Penicillium islandicum, the main target is the liver (hepatotoxic effect develops).
What else to study on this topic
- Mechanism of the neurotoxic action of citreovirdin on the CNS
- Pathogenesis of pulmonary edema in patulin toxicosis
- Habitat and reproduction conditions of Aspergillus terreus
- Effect of islanditoxin on hepatocytes at the cellular level
- Measures to prevent patulin contamination in food production
Study the full topic in the «Microbiology» course
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