Mycotoxins

Abstract

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolities produced by saprophytis species of fungi. They exert toxigenic activity, including carcinogenicity, immunosuppression, inhibition of protein synthesis, dermal irritation and many other metabolic problems. Mycotoxins usually enter into the body by ingestion of contaminanted food, inhalation of toxigenic spores and direct dermal contact. Molds may be present into substrat without production toxin. When mycotoxins are detected, it is not easy to prove a disease. In any way, mycotoxins are danger to human and animal health. Description of appearance, toxic profiles and chemical structures of main mycotoxins are reviewed.