| Fusarium
sp. - Aw (water activity) 0.90. A common soil fungus.
It is found on a wide range of plants. It is often found in
humidifiers. Several species in this genus can produce potent
trichothecene toxins (5, 27). The trichothecene (scirpene) toxin
targets the following systems: circulatory, alimentary, skin,
and nervous. Produces vomitoxin on grains during unusually damp
growing conditions. Symptoms may occur either through ingestion
of contaminated grains or possibly inhalation of spores. The
genera can produce hemorrhagic syndrome in humans (alimentary
toxic aleukia). This is characterized by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea,
dermatitis, and extensive internal bleeding. Reported to be
allergenic. Frequently involved in eye, skin and nail infections. |
