Fusarium

(Mould) fungus genus belonging to the Fungi imperfecti. Fusarium species belong to the economically most important (cereal disease) mycotoxin-forming moulds. They infect cereals, potatoes, maize and vegetables with varying specificity already in the field, or when stored in damp conditions.

The toxins produced by Fusarium cause vomiting, diarrhoea, headaches and cramps in humans. Often angioedema and unspecific urticarial exanthema.

The toxins produced by Fusarium cause vomiting, diarrhoea, headaches and cramps in humans. Angioedema and unspecific urticarial exanthema are also common.

Fusarium toxins comprise a group of very different toxins:

• A- and B-trichothecenes (known are > 50 mycotoxins with a uniform molecular skeleton)
• Zearalenone (ZEA), deoxynivalenol (DON) and its derivatives
• Fumonisins
• Moniliformin
• Fusafungin
• Fusaric acid

The cereal disease (mainly wheat), which is known in agriculture as a major economic disease, is called fusariosis, like the human infectious disease "fusariosis" (see also fusariosis as human mould infection in immunocompromised patients). They are among the most important cereal diseases worldwide.

Numerous species of Fusarium can affect the germinating grain, the base of the stalk, the leaves and especially the ears. The consequences are considerable losses in yield and quality. However, the main damage is caused by mycotoxins, toxic metabolic products such as deoxynivalenol (DON) or zearalenone (ZEA). Their potential health hazards for humans and animals have led to the definition of corresponding limit and guide values.

1. Fernández-Blanco C et al (2018) Cytotoxic effects induced by patulin, deoxynivalenol and toxin T2 individually and in combination in hepatic cells (HepG2). Food Chem Toxicol pii: S0278-6915
2. Machado LC et al (2001) Identification of deoxynivalenol, 3-acetyldeoxynivalenol and zearalenone in the galactose oxidase-producing fungus Dactylium dendroides.Mycopathologia 149:79-85.