Trichothecene Mycotoxin

Aka: Trichothecene Mycotoxin, T2 toxin, Trichothecene

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II. Pathophysiology

  1. Agent
    1. Trichothecene Mycotoxins
      1. Produced by filamentous fungi (molds)
    2. Inactivation
      1. Extremely stable in heat and UV light
      2. Destruction requires heating 1500 F for 30 minutes
      3. Brief exposure to sodium Hypochlorite inactivates
  2. Transmission
    1. Used as aerosolized Biological Weapon
      1. Laos, Kampuchea, Afghanistan in late 1970's
    2. Aerosol: "yellow rain" drops of yellow fluid

III. Symptoms and signs

  1. Skin
    1. Local pain
    2. Pruritus
    3. Skin redness
    4. Vesicles
    5. Skin necrosis and sloughing
  2. Respiratory
    1. Nose and throat pain
    2. Nasal Discharge
    3. Itching and sneezing
    4. Cough
    5. Dyspnea
    6. Wheezing
    7. Chest Pain
    8. Hemoptysis
  3. Severe systemic
    1. Prostration
    2. Weakness
    3. Ataxia
    4. Collapse
    5. Shock
    6. Death

IV. Differential Diagnosis

  1. Mustard agents
  2. Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B
  3. Ricin

V. Management

  1. Activated Charcoal for ingestion

VI. Prevention

  1. No Vaccine or antitoxin available
  2. Decontamination

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