Paper II
Question
Mycotoxins
Answer
Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by certain fungi, particularly when growing on stored food grains under conditions of poor storage, causing disease (mycotoxicosis) following ingestion of contaminated food.
Important examples:
- Aflatoxins — produced by Aspergillus flavus/A. parasiticus, contaminating groundnuts/maize; aflatoxin B1 is a potent hepatocarcinogen, strongly implicated (especially with chronic hepatitis B) in hepatocellular carcinoma.
- Ochratoxin A — nephrotoxic, implicated in Balkan endemic nephropathy.
- Ergot alkaloids — produced by Claviceps purpurea on rye; causes ergotism (vasospasm/gangrene or convulsive symptoms).
- Trichothecenes and zearalenone — produced by Fusarium species.
Significance: an important food-safety concern, particularly in tropical/subtropical regions with poor grain storage infrastructure, contributing to acute poisoning outbreaks and long-term cancer risk.