mycotoxin

(noun)

Any substance produced by a mold or fungus that is injurious to vertebrates upon ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact.

Related Terms

Examples of mycotoxin in the following topics:

  • Toxins

    • Mycotoxins are the classes of toxins produced by fungi.
    • Mycotoxins are numerous and production of a specific mycotoxin is not restricted to one specific species.
    • Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites that are toxic to humans and produced by fungi.
    • Aflatoxins are a type of mycotoxin that are produced by certain strains of Aspergillus fungi.
    • Describe the major toxin types (bacterial toxins and mycotoxins) and their mechanisms of action

  • Fungi

    • Many fungal species produce bioactive compounds called mycotoxins, such as alkaloids and polyketides that are toxic to animals including humans, contributing to pathogenecity and disease.
    • Aspergillus can cause disease via production of mycotoxins, induction of allergic responses and through localized or systemic infections.

  • Aflatoxin Poisoning

    • Aflatoxins are categorized as mycotoxins that are typically produced by species of Aspergillus.
    • Aflatoxins, although only synthesized by a few Aspergillus species, are considered to be one of the most important mycotoxins identified to date.

  • Fungi as Plant, Animal, and Human Pathogens

    • Mycotoxicosis is the poisoning of humans (and other animals) by foods contaminated by fungal toxins (mycotoxins).