MYCOTOXINS AND MYCOTOXICOSIS

Abstract

Mycotoxins, toxic metabolites of filamentous fungi, are small organic molecules implicated in several human and animal health issues. A wide range of filamentous fungi is involved in the production of mycotoxins under suitable environmental conditions. Mycotoxins are usually ingested with food or drinking material and the implications are known as mycotoxicosis. Mycotoxicosis is responsible for lowered weight gain, immune suppressions, hepatic disorders and impairment of other body organs. Main actions include mutagenicity, carcinogenicity and cytolysis. These toxins are among major cause of vaccination failures and stunted growth in human beings. The toxins are highly stable and resistant to environmental influences. The only way is the proper storage conditions of food products by avoiding fungal contamination especially which are mycotoxins
producers.