Mycotoxicology
Mycotoxicology (pronounced: my-co-tox-i-col-o-gy) is the branch of Mycology that focuses on studying the toxins produced by fungi, known as mycotoxins.
Etymology
The term "Mycotoxicology" is derived from three Greek words: "mykes" meaning fungus, "toxikon" meaning poison, and "logia" meaning study. Thus, it literally translates to "the study of fungal poisons."
Overview
Mycotoxicology is an interdisciplinary science that overlaps with Pharmacology, Toxicology, Microbiology, Pathology, and Veterinary Medicine. It involves the study of the chemical structures, biosynthesis, occurrence, pathology, diagnosis, and control of mycotoxins.
Mycotoxins
Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by microfungi that are capable of causing disease and death in humans and other animals. The major mycotoxins of concern are Aflatoxins, Ochratoxins, Fumonisins, Zearalenone, and Trichothecenes.
Health Effects
Exposure to mycotoxins can lead to a variety of adverse health effects in humans and animals, ranging from acute poisoning to long-term effects such as immune deficiency and cancer. The study of these effects is a key aspect of Mycotoxicology.
Prevention and Control
Mycotoxicology also involves the development of strategies to prevent and control mycotoxin contamination in food and feed. This includes good agricultural practices, post-harvest management, and the use of mycotoxin detoxifying agents.
Related Fields
Mycotoxicology is closely related to other fields such as Mycology, the study of fungi; Toxicology, the study of the adverse effects of chemical substances on living organisms; and Pharmacology, the study of drugs and their effects on the body.
See Also
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