Qualitative, Quantitative and Technological Aspects of the Trichothecene Mycotoxins

Abstract

Trichothecene mycotoxins pose a natural threat to plants, foodstuffs, animals and humans. Recently, strong implications regarding artificially induced trichothecene threats to humans in various parts of the world have come to the attention of the general public. This has spawned renewed interest and scientific research into the various properties of the toxins. The trichothecenes display orders of magnitude differences in toxicity levels depending upon the test subject and mode of administration. Potentially more sensitive and specific analytical characterization techniques and convenient, milder and faster organic decontamination reaction schemes exist in comparison to established methods. This review attempts to supply a concise information source as an aid to investigators faced with problems of trichothecene detection, analysis, and decontamination.