Relationships of Fusarium toxins to tumours and other disorders in livestock.

1981Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics

10.1111/j.1365-2885.1981.tb00702.x

CardiovascularEndocrine (ADH/ACTH/MSH)GastrointestinalHematologicalImmune/InnateNeurologicalRespiratory/Sinus

Indoor Mold (Stachybotrys, Aspergillus, etc.)MycotoxinsWater-Damaged Buildings (WDB)

Abstract

Experimental laboratory animals treated with the trichothecene T-2 toxin, develop various acute and chronic disorders and also tumours of the digestive tract and of the brain. T-2 toxin is teratogenic and immunosuppressive. In livestock, ingestion of fodder contaminated with T-2 toxin and with certain other trichothecenes can cause various disorders, including a haemorrhagic syndrome, neurological and reproductive disturbances. Follow-up studies of survivors in the flocks or herds which suffered fatalities from acute mycotoxicoses could establish whether and which chronic disorders and tumours may develop among the survivors and among their progeny, as a result of exposure to mycotoxins, which caused the acute fatalities. Outbreaks of acute mycotoxicoses are usually preceded by exceptional weather.

Key Biomarkers

Abnormal brain SPECT scansAbnormal neurophysiologic findingsAbnormal pulmonary function testsAbnormal T and B cell subsetsAutoantibodies against CNS and PNS myelinAutoantibodies against smooth muscle (ASM)Elevated antinuclear autoantibodies (ANA)Elevated natural killer (NK) cell alterationsNeural-specific autoantibodies (myelin basic protein, ganglioside GM1, sulfatide, tubulin, neurofilament)Serum antibodies to moldsTrichothecene toxins in urine and serum

Symptom Clusters

Autonomic dysfunctionCognitive: impaired concentration, decision-making, hand/eye coordinationHematologic: hemorrhagic syndromeMood disturbance: depression, anxiety, emotional dysfunctionNeurological dysfunction: balance impairment, tremors, peripheral neuropathy, numbness, tingling, muscle weaknessNeuropsychological impairment: visuospatial learning/memory deficit, verbal learning deficit, psychomotor speed impairment, short-term memory loss, executive dysfunctionRespiratory: rhinorrhea, sinus tenderness, wheezing, airway obstruction, airway irritation and bleeding