Abstract

Significance of Mycotoxin in Health and Advance

In this review article, the recognized effects of mycotoxins on human health, the types of mycotoxins that affect human health, and their control methods were discussed in detail. Mycotoxins are harmful substances produced by fungi in various foods. Most of these mycotoxins belong to the three genera of fungi: Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Fusarium. Acute mycotoxicoses can cause serious and sometimes fatal diseases. Depending on their precise nature, these toxins may be carcinogenic, teratogenic, mutagenic, immunosuppressive, tremorgenic, hemorrhagic, hepatotoxic, nephrotoxic, and neurotoxic. Mycotoxin is known for its teratogenic effect that can cause an adverse effect on the fetus in the womb owing to its ability to cross the placenta and cause the malformation of the central nervous system and damage to the brain. Control of mold growth in feeds can be accomplished by keeping moisture low, feeding fresh, equipment clean, and using mold inhibitors. In tallying, control of mycotoxins in animal diets would reduce the likelihood that mycotoxin residues would appear in animal products destined for human consumption.

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