Mycotoxins

• metabolites of fungi
• Aflatoxins produced by Aspergillus flavus and other species
• main expression
  • chronic intoxication in livestock following fungal growth on badly stored (moisture) grain
• isolated toxins
  • B1 - the most potent
  • B2
  • G1
  • G2
• toxic intermediates bind to cellular nuclei acids and proteins
  • potent toxins, carcinogens, and teratogens (the last two are less important in domestic animals)
• lesions similar to ragwort poisoning, including the hepatocytic cytomegaly