The vital products of certain fungi pose a serious danger to both humans and animals. There is such a thing as mycotoxicosis. This is a certain group of diseases arising from the adverse effects of toxins - products of the metabolism of molds.
What is the danger of molds
These microorganisms are distributed on all continents of our planet, and the toxins that they produce cause considerable damage both to the economy (as a result of damage to raw materials) and to human and animal health. Products become unusable, their taste and other organoleptic qualities deteriorate sharply. Fungi, which can provoke the development of mold, are divided into parasitic fungi (affect live cultures) and saprophytes (they conduct life on dead plants). The optimal conditions for their activation are high temperature, air humidity of 95%, and feed humidity of about 30%. The causative agents of mycotoxicosis (there are about 250 of them) can begin their life during harvesting, and with improper transportation or storage. If the animal ate food affected by mold fungi, then meat and milk become the habitat of such microorganisms. At the same time, it is likely that the person who uses these products will become infected. Mycotoxicosis of animals can lead to their death. But no less serious violations can cause these toxins in humans.
The negative effect of mycotoxins
Mold fungi extremely negatively affect almost all body systems. Some of them cause chronic diseases, others disrupt the nervous system. Dermatitis, allergic reactions, dysbiosis - these are probably the most non-hazardous manifestations that can cause mycotoxicoses and mycoses. These diseases can trigger the development of kidney dystrophy, gout, depression, damage blood vessels, and also lead to the appearance of tumors. A large number of these microorganisms affect the development of the fetus in pregnant women. Another important point - they are able to affect the human genetic apparatus.
Aflatoxins. The negative effects of poisoning
The most studied pathogens of fungal intestinal infections of mycotoxicoses are A. flavus, aflatoxins. They can develop in corn, wheat, rice, cocoa beans, coffee, some vegetables, fruits. Basically, these toxins are found in cereals, in rare cases in products of animal origin - meat, milk, eggs (up to 1 μg / kg). Even a small amount of aflatoxins can have a negative effect on young children. Experts have established a relationship between the development of primary liver cancer and this group of toxins. If aflatoxins constantly enter the body, a person may experience weight loss. Children slow down their growth. Most often, this pathogen causes mycotoxicosis of animals - pigs, calves, goats. Also sensitive to aflatoxins and ducklings, turkey poults, geese. With serious infection, death from 30% to 100% of the total population is possible.
Fusariotoxins. Symptoms of intoxication
If the grain wintered under a ball of snow, then the risk of developing Fusarium fungus is great. The products of its metabolism are quite stable. Fusariotoxins are not destroyed during boiling, have high chemical resistance. In addition, they are stored in grain for more than one year. These toxins cause a disease like nutritional toxic aukia. At first signs of a sore throat appear, the general condition worsens somewhat. Then the level of leukocytes in the blood drops sharply (almost 10 times). Hemoglobin also decreases, a characteristic rash may appear on the skin. Over time, a necrotic process develops. Therefore, mycoses, mycotoxicoses are extremely dangerous diseases that require competent treatment and taking antibiotics. Grain infected with fusariotoxins is by no means suitable for human or animal consumption. Use it only for technical processing (for example, in the manufacture of technical alcohol).
Ergotism. First signs
Another mushroom that can infect grain is Claviceps purpurea. Colonies of this microorganism have a dark purple color. May occur on spikelets of rye, wheat. If the grain is not thoroughly cleared of ergot, then toxic substances go directly to the flour. Baking from such raw materials can cause ergotism. In this case, the digestive system is affected. All the symptoms of poisoning are manifested - nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain. A severe form of the disease is characterized by bouts of hallucinations, impaired consciousness. A gangrenous form is also possible, in which necrosis of the limbs, face occurs. The treatment in this case is symptomatic, aimed at removing intoxication of the body. The first method of ergot control is the thorough cleaning of crops.
Stachybotriotoxicosis
These mycotoxicoses are diseases that are most often found in animals, rarely in humans. The causative agent of the disease is the toxin of the fungus Stachybotrys alternans. Stachibotriotoxicosis is a very serious condition of horses, cattle, poultry. The clinical picture is as follows: an inflammatory process occurs in the gastrointestinal tract, then necrotic changes in the digestive system. Acute heart failure, agranulocytosis develops. Another disease that affects the animal’s cardiovascular system is dendrodochpotoxicosis. A feature of this disease is its rapid course, resulting in cattle death.
Other dangerous mycotoxins
No less dangerous products of fungal metabolism include ochratoxin A, patulin. The first toxin is produced by Penicillium, Aspergillus class fungi. For its synthesis, high humidity of the product is required (not less than 22%). Such mycotoxicoses are poisoning in animals, impaired renal function in humans. In addition, ochratoxin, circulating in the blood, is able to penetrate into breast milk. Laboratory studies confirm its carcinogenic effect. Patulin accumulates mainly in berries and fruits. It is noteworthy that this toxin is resistant to high temperature, so it can be found in processed products of rotten fruits. Patulin is most often found in apple juice. The consequences of poisoning by the toxin are quite serious. This and cerebral edema, and impaired renal function, lungs.
Prevention of the accumulation of toxins in plants
To minimize mycotoxicosis, the prevention of their occurrence should include the following measures. Plant breeding is an effective method of controlling mold fungi. Genetic engineering is capable of instilling in the culture a high resistance to microorganisms. The second principle is the correct application of agricultural technologies. Harvest must be harvested in accordance with established regulations. Subsequent processing of grain is also extremely important. First of all, it is necessary to clean the product from the affected elements. Storage of raw materials should be carried out in well-ventilated areas, it is important not to exceed the permissible threshold of moisture content of crops. It is very important to carry out activities aimed at the destruction of rodents, insects in places of storage of grain. Before processing, the products undergo laboratory tests for the presence of mycotoxins. If they are found, then it is necessary to clean the raw materials or completely remove them from production.
Prevention of mycotoxicosis in everyday life
Mycotoxicoses are diseases that are most often chronic. Accumulating, toxins only after a certain time begin to disable our body. Therefore, in domestic conditions it is very important to prevent the development of molds on food. It is important to remember that the main factor that provokes the growth of these microorganisms is increased humidity and high temperature. Products that will soon go bad should be carefully inspected. At the first signs of mold, it is best to abandon their use. Of course, not all mold is dangerous poisons. However, you should not risk your health. This rule applies to fruits, vegetables, pastries, jams and other preservation. Animal feed must also be carefully inspected. If affected grains are found, such food is no longer suitable for food. Food mycotoxicoses can cause considerable harm to animals and birds.