|
Stages of Mycotoxicosis: For Inhalation of Mycotoxin
Goals and objectives: To demonstrate the pathologic changes in the primary target organs after inhalation verses ingestion exposure
to Trichothecene Mycotoxins in man. (Croft)
------------------------------------------
Read about the stages of illness following mold exposure. It may become clear which one you may be in, if you are ill from mold, by reading the description. I am clearly in Stage 2, but since Stage 3 comes suddenly, under continued exposure, I am quite glad to have left my moldy school and that through the persistence of those who were ill from it the building was torn down and can't make others ill now (Susan Brinchman).
http://www.aehf.com/articles/2003Symp.htm
SPEECH TITLE: "Pathology of Trichothecene Mycotoxins in Man"
Abstract Information & Notes
William A. Croft, D.V.M., Ph.D.
Date of talk: Thursday, June 19, 2003, 2:00pm
Environmental Diagnostic Group Inc.
Phone: 715/757-3756
521 Hilltop
Dr.
Fax: 715/757-9302
Madison, WI
53711 E-
mail:
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Veterinary School
Attended: University
of Minnesota
Medical School
Attended:
University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
Major and date of
Graduation: Ph.D. in
Medical Pathology from the University of Wisconsin, Madison,
Wisconsin.
Current Job
Description:
Study Human diseases within the environment from outbreak of human
disease as a Medical Pathologist.
Other
Information:
Was on Faculty of the University of Wisconsin as Medical
Pathologist, was accepted by the National Institute of Health as a
Medical Pathologist, qualified to research human diseases. Obtain
over $900,000 of highly competitive research grants from the
national Institute of Health while at the University of Wisconsin.
Disclosure
Statement:
None
SPEECH TITLE: "Pathology of Trichothecene Mycotoxins in Man"
The speaker has provided the information below.
1.) Goals and objectives: To demonstrate the pathologic changes in
the primary target organs after inhalation verses ingestion exposure
to Trichothecene Mycotoxins in man.
2.) Outline of talk/abstract: A. History of Mycotoxicosis, B.
Detection of "Sick Buildings" ingestion verses inhalation exposure.
Signs and Symptoms expressed by over 6,000 patients exposed to
Trichothecene Mycotoxins, attempting to establish diagnosis. C.
The pathologic changes associated with inhalation exposure to
trichothecene mycotoxins. D. The primary organs involved with
inhalation Mycotoxicosis.
3.) Conclusion of what is to be learned: The primary target organs
of this disease and how this mycotoxin affects every cell in the
body.
4.) References:
a. Croft, W.A., Jarvis, B.B., and Yatawara, C.S.,: Airborne
Outbreak of Trichothecene Toxicosis, In: Atmospheric Environ, 20(3),
549-552 (1986).
b. Croft, W.A., Jastromski, B.M., Croft, A.L., and Peters,
H.A., "Clinical Confirmation of Trichothecene Mycotoxicosis In
Patient Urine," In: Journal of Environmental Biology 23(3), 301-320
(2002).
The Pathology of Trichothecene Mycotoxicosis In Humans
1. The Fingerprint of the Agent Causing the Disease is
Displayed Within the Cells or Tissue of The Body.
2. Degeneration and Necrosis of The Entire Central Nervous
System, Cardiovascular, lung, Digestive Tract, Spleen, Liver,
Kidney, Pancreas, Immune, Skin, Reproductive, Eye, Urinary Bladder
and Prostate.
3. The Signs and Symptoms Described For Trichothecene
Mycotoxicosis Match the Pathology Observed.
4. Every Cell in The Body is Affected or Susceptible to
Trichothecene Mycotoxins When Exposed.
5. The Exposed Cells Are Not Allowed to Grow and Make Cellular
Products in The Rough Endoplasm Reticulum Represents of First
Mechanism of Action on The Cells.
6. The Burning or Denaturation of Tissue From the Epoxide
Molecule is Another Mechanism of Action on The Cells of The Body
Causing Intense Scarring of Organs. (Like Phenol)
7. The Rapidly Turnover Organs Systems Are Affected The Most
Severe, G.I. Tract, Immune System and Reproductive, (like radiation
damage)
8. The Central Nervous System is Severely Affected and is A
Primary Target Organ. The Neurons in the Cerebral Hemispheres,
White and Grey Matter, Brain Stem and even the Ependymal Cells. The
Purkinje Cells of The Cerebellum Are Severely Affected That Affect
Motion and Balance. The Dorsal and Ventral Motor Neurons Are
Destroyed Causing Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Peroxidation of
Peripheral Nerves is Also Observed. The Central Nervous System is
The Organ Most Affected as Reported By People Exposed to Toxic
Mold.
9. Lack of Cellular Production, Epoxide- Peroxidation of Lipid
Membranes, Loss of Vessels, Loss of Oxygen From Severe Lung
Scarring, and Loss of Proper Nutrients Due Loss of Functional
Absorption of Intestine Affect the Brain and All Organs of The Body.
10. The Trichothecene Mycotoxins are Cumulative in Their Health
Effects on Organ Systems.
11. Trichothecene Mycotoxins are "Hit and Run" Poisons and are
not Stored in The Body.
12. Inhalation of Trichothecene Mycotoxins Are More Poisonous As
Observed by The Intense Scarring of The Alveolar Tissue Than
Consumption Due To The Neutralization of Mycotoxin by Bacteria.
13. Depression of the Immune System Allows for Increase
Infections by Bacteria, Viral, Fungal and Cancer to Form.
14. Yeasts are allowed to Colonize the Intestine Tract Because
They Are Resistant to Trichothecene Mycotoxins.
15. Yeast Can Cause Diabetes Mellitus, Gout and Prevent Proper
Liver Function to Detoxify Xenobiotics.
16. Trichothecene Mycotoxins are Released Within the Urine and
Feces as Evidenced by The Pathology Observed Within Those Tissues.
17. Children Exposed to Trichothecene Mycotoxins are 100 to 1000
X more susceptible because stems are killed not allowing for
additional growth within the individual.
18. There is No Safe Level of Exposure to Trichothecene
Mycotoxins.
19. The third Mechanism For Trichothecene Mycotoxicosis is To
Develop Anaphylaxis to Mold Allergens When Mycotoxin Leaves The
Body.
Dr. William Croft, (Medical Pathologist)
Stages of Mycotoxicosis: For Inhalation of Mycotoxin
The three Stages (1-3) ranging from lower to higher severity of
poisoning were modified according to exposure via the air as opposed
to ingestion already established (Forgacs et al., 1962; Joffe,
1971). A separate Stage of convalescence occurs when a patient is
completely removed from the contaminated premises and the source of
mycotoxin or mold spores.
Stage 1: The primary changes are in the brain, respiratory and
immune systems, mucus membranes and gastrointestinal tract. Signs
and symptoms may include burning sensation in the mouth, tongue,
throat, palate, esophagus, and stomach, which is a result of the
action of the toxin on the mucous membranes and skin in the exposed
areas. Moist areas of the body armpits, under breasts, belt line and
groin are more sensitive or first affected. Patients may report
burning within the eyes, ears and nose. Patients also reported that
their tongues felt swollen and stiff. Mucosa of the oral cavity may
be hyperemic. Mild gingivitis, stomatitis, glositis, and esophagitis
developed. Inflammation, in addition to gastric and (small and
large) intestinal mucosal, resulted in vomiting, diarrhea and
abdominal pain. Excessive salivation, headache, dizziness, weakness,
fatigue and tachycardia were also present.
There may be fever and sweating. The respiratory system develops
burning sensations and congestion. Severe exposure to mycotoxin
within the lungs may lead to congestion, edema and failure, due to
caustic action. Body temperature remains normal and controllable by
the patient. The poisoning appears and disappears relatively quickly
in this Stage with the exception of, lungs and central nervous
system. Initially (Stage 1), the patient's symptoms are very
uncomfortable or painful. As the poisoning continues and the patient
progress toward Stage 2, he or she becomes accustomed to the
presence of the mycotoxin and a quiescent period follows due to lack
of nerve sensation. Depending on exposure levels, the first Stage
may last from 3 - 9 days. In scoring the 50 signs and symptoms
listed in Tables-1 and 2, an average score range of 20-45 represents
Stage 1.
Stage 2 : This Stage is often called the latent Stage or incubation
period because the patient feels apprehensive, but is capable of
normal activity in the beginning of this Stage. Every organ of the
body is affected by degeneration and necrosis with continued
exposure. The primary target organs for an individual become evident
over time, due to biological variation. These are disturbances in
the central and autonomic nervous systems resulting in headaches,
mental depression, loss of short-term memory, loss of problem-
solving ability, various neuropsychiatric manifestations, meningism,
severe malaise and fatigue, narcolepsy, loss of temperature control,
hyperesthesia or numbness of body areas, and cerebellar dysfunction
including hypotonia, attitude and gait, dysmetria, asthenia,
vertigo, disturbances of speech, and loss of balance (Best, 1961).
Spinal cord degeneration may also be observed in gait and reflex
abnormalities, such as the ability to drive vehicles, ride bicycles
or pass sobriety tests (inability to tolerate ethyl alcohol).
Attention deficient disorder may be observed in children. Various
systems may include: Eyes: visual disturbances, floating objects,
light sensitive, lack of tears, burning and itching. Ears: burning,
itching, and loss of hearing. Immune and hematopoietic: progressive
loss of white and red cells including a decrease of platelets and
hemoglobin, and high susceptibility to bacterial, mycotic and viral
infections, debilitating chemical and allergies. Gastrointestinal:
metallic taste in mouth, tooth loss, gum problems, stomatitis, sores
in gums and throat, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation,
excessive flatulence, abdominal distention, hepatitis, pancreatitis,
and diabetes mellitus. Respiratory : burning and bleeding from nasal
membranes, respiratory difficulty, asthma, extreme susceptibility to
cold, flu and pneumonia. Skin: thinning of hair on head, burning on
face, rashes, irritation, and edema. Renal: proteinuria, possible
hematuria. Reproductive: irregular ovarian cycles, increased
menstrual flow, fibroid growths in uterus, cystic development in
mammary glands, and tumors of mammary and prostate glands.
Musculoskeletal : somatitis, muscle weakness, spasms, cramps, joint
pain, enlargement of joints in hand, and clubbing of fingers.
Cardiovascular: chest pain, palpitations, ruptures of atrial walls,
myocardial infection and aneurysm of arteries.
The skin and mucous membranes may be icteric, pupils dilated, the
pulse soft and labile, and blood pressure may decrease or increase.
The body temperature does not exceed 38 degree C and the patient may
be afebrile, or chilled. Visible hemorrhagic spots may appear on the
skin. Thoughts of suicide may be prominent in the person's mind at
this time or anytime in Stage 2. Human bonding is very important for
survival.
Degeneration and hemorrhages of the vessels marks the transition
from the second to the third Stage of the disease and may not be
consistently observed. The degeneration of the vital organs
including serious respiratory insufficiency or asthma and CNS
degeneration will take the patient into Stage three along with
development of necrotic angina. If exposure continues, depending on
exposure levels, Stage 2 may continue from weeks to months or even
years until the symptoms of the third Stage develop. Evaluating the
50 signs and symptoms (Table-1 and 2) by assigning a score (0-least
intense to 5-most intense or severe) to each symptom, we have
determined that an average score range of 45-180 represents Stage 2.
Stage 3: Severe degeneration of the vital organs. The transition
from the second to the third Stage is sudden. In this Stage, the
patient's resistance is already low, and violent severe symptoms are
present, especially under the influence of stress, or associated
with physical exertion and fatigue. The first visible sign of this
Stage may be lung, brain or heart failure (heart attack), with or
without the appearance of petechial hemorrhage on the skin of the
trunk, the axillary and inguinal areas, the lateral surfaces of the
arms and thighs, the face and head, and in serious Cases, the chest.
The petechial hemorrhages vary from a few millimeters to a few
centimeters in diameter. There is increased capillary fragility and
any slight trauma may cause the hemorrhages to increase in size.
Aneurysms of the brain or aorta may be observed by angiography.
Hemorrhages may also be found on the mucous membranes of the mouth
and tongue, and on the soft palate and tonsils. There may be severe
interstitial thickening or scarring of the lungs, or respiratory
failure. Nasal, gastric and intestinal hemorrhages and hemorrhagic
diathesis may occur. Necrotic angina begins in the form of catarrhal
symptoms and necrotic changes soon appear in the mouth, throat, and
esophagus with difficulty and pain on swallowing. Severe
degeneration of the skin on the face, eyelids, and loss of lashes is
also often present.
Necrotic lesions may extend to the uvula, gums, buccal mucosa,
larynx, vocal cords, lungs, stomach, and intestines and other
internal organs such as the liver and kidneys and are usually
contaminated with a variety of avirulent bacteria. Bacteria
infection causes an unpleasant odor from the mouth due to the
enzymatic activity of bacteria on proteins. Areas of necrosis may
also appear on the lips and on the skin of the fingers, nose, jaws,
and eyes. Regional lymph nodes are frequently enlarged. Esophageal
lesions may occur and involvement of the epiglottis may cause
laryngeal edema and aphonia (loss of voice). Death may occur by
strangulation.
Patients may suffer an acute parenchymatous hepatitis accompanied by
jaundice. Bronchopneumonia, pulmonary hemorrhages, and lung
abscesses are frequent complications. Tumors may develop of various
organs, including skin, urinary bladder, brain, mammary gland, bone,
immune, liver, prostate, possibly resulting in death. The most
common cause of death is brain failure due to both direct effects of
the mycotoxin on the central nervous system and indirect effects due
to respiratory failure or lack of oxygen to the brain caused by the
severe caustic inflammation (fibrinous exudation) reaction with the
lung tissue, rendering it non-functional. Again, using the scoring
system represented in Tables-1 and 2, an average score of greater or
equal 180 represents Stage 3.
Stage of Convalescence: The course and duration of this Stage 3
depends on the intensity of the poisoning and complete removal of
the patient from the premises or source of mycotoxin. Therefore, the
duration of the recovery period is variable. There is considerable
cellular necrosis and scarring to all major organs of the body in
which cells will not regenerate, including the brain, spinal cord,
eyes, lung, heart, liver, pancreas, kidney, adrenal, and blood
vessels. If the disease is diagnosed during the first Stage,
hospitalization is usually unnecessary, but allergies and asthma
should be monitored closely. If the disease is diagnosed during the
second Stage and even at the transition from the second to third
Stages, early hospitalization may preserve the patient's life. If
however, the disease is only detected during the third Stage, death
cannot be prevented in most Cases.
1. Croft, W. A., Jastromski, B. M., Croft, A. L., and Peters, H.
A., "Clinical
Confirmation of Trichothecene Mycotoxicosis in Patients
Urine", In: Journal of
Environmental Biology 23(3), 301-320 (2002)
2. .Forgacs, J., and W. T. Carll : Mycotoxicoses. In : Advances in
Veterinary
Science. Academic Press, New York and London, pp 273-372
(1962).
|
