ABSTRACT :

Trichothecenes (TCT) are secondary metabolites commonly found in cereals. They are produced in foods and feeds by various species of Fusarium: Myrothecium, Trichothecium, Trichoderma, Cephalosporium, Cylindrocarpon and Stachybotrys. More than 140 different TCT have now been isolated and described. T-2 toxin is the most cytotoxic mycotoxin of the group TCT. It is produced by Fusarium fungi (F. acuminatum, F. poae and F. sporotrichioides) in cereal crops and processed grains. The commonest clinical signs of alimentary toxic aleukia (ATA) caused by T-2 toxin in humans are weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, nausia and abdominal pain. The major toxic effects of T-2 toxin in ruminants include gastroenteritis, hemorrhages, bloody diarrhea and ruminal ulcers. Reduced feed intake and weight gain, diarrhea and impairment of the immune system are the effects caused by T-2 toxin in pigs. Signs of T-2 toxin in poultry comprised decreased feed intake, growth depression, oral lesions, abnormal feathering, decreased egg production, thinner egg shells and impaired hatchability.