This document describes the characteristics of trichothecene mycotoxins.
Mycotoxins, by-products of fungal metabolism, have been implicated as causative agents of adverse health effects in humans and animals that have consumed fungus-infected agricultural products. The fungi are a vast assemblage of living organisms, but mycotoxin production is most commonly associated with the terrestrial filamentous fungi called the molds. T-2 mycotoxin is a highly toxic trichothecene that has been a causative agent of a number of illnesses in humans and domestic animals. During the 1970's and 1980's, the trichothecene mycotoxins gained some notoriety as putative biological warfare agents when they were implicated in "yellow rain" attacks in Southeast Asia. Fungi that produce trichothecenes are plant pathogens and invade various agricultural products and plants. Trichothecene mycotoxins can be delivered as dusts, droplets, aerosols, or smoke from aircraft, rockets, missiles, artillery, mines, or portable sprayers. Because of their antipersonnel properties, ease of large-scale production, and apparent proven delivery by various aerial dispersal systems, these toxins (especially T-2 toxin) have an excellent potential for weaponization. Symptoms include vomiting, pain, weakness, dizziness, ataxia, anorexia, diarrhea, bleeding, skin redness, blistering, and gangrene, as well as shock and rapid death. Sensitive immunoassays and chemical procedures are available for the identification of trichothecene mycotoxins in biological samples, but no detection kits have been fielded. Prevention of exposure is the only current defense, with a protective mask and clothing worn when under attack. Experimental treatments for systemic toxicity are being investigated, but no therapy is available for humans. 101 references