Mycotoxins

The Aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, G2, M1, M2) are a group of structurally related, extremely toxic compounds produced by the moulds Aspergillus flavus, A. paraciticus and A. nomius.

Aflatoxin B1 is produced by Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus. It is the most hepatotoxic and hepatocarcinogenic of the aflatoxins and occurs as a contaminant in a variety of foods.

Aflatoxin M1 is a hydroxylated metabolite of aflatoxin B1, secreted in milk of mammals receiving aflatoxin B1. It is associated with carcinogenicity, genotoxicity, mutagenicity, and teratogenicity.

Fumonisin B1 is a mycotoxin produced from F. moniliforme, a prevalent fungus of corn and other grains. It induces a pulmonary edema syndrome in pigs and a hepatotoxicity in horses and swine.

Ochratoxin A is one of the most deleterious mycotoxins including nephrotoxic, hepatotoxic, embryotoxic, teratogenic, neurotoxic, immunotoxic, genotoxic, and carcinogenic.

T-2 Toxin is a potent mycotoxin produced in feedstuffs by several species of the genus FUSARIUM. It elicits a severe inflammatory reaction in animals and has teratogenic effects.

Deoxynivalenol (vomitoxin) is a sesquiterpene compound found in Fusarium graminearum and F. culmorum. It is a potent central emetic, to which pigs are very sensitive and ruminants more resistant.

Zearalenone, also known as RAL and F-2 mycotoxin, is a potent estrogenic metabolite produced by some Fusarium and Gibberella species which can infest crops.