Accused against two Chinese, one of them a researcher, for illegal smuggling Fusarium graminearum, dangerous mushrooms killing crops, has brought renewed focus on the risks that this pathogen represents for agriculture, but also on human and animal health. The case emphasizes that unauthorized imports and research of such fungi could be part of a greater threat to US food security and public security and increase alarms in the middle of tense relations between the US and China.
Fusarium graminearum is a fungal pathogen responsible for the mold of the head Fusarium, a devastating disease affecting the main cereal crops such as wheat, barley, corn and rice. While its direct impact on crops results in massive agricultural losses – estimated to be more than $ 1 billion per year in the US – the fungus also produces harmful toxins, especially vomiting (deoxynivalenol) that contaminate grains.
Unauthorized imports of Fusarium graminearum strains increase the risk of introducing more aggressive variants or pesticide resistant, which could worsen outbreaks and reduce control measures less effective. This not only threatens the agricultural economy, but also increases the likelihood that the contamination of toxin will enter the food chain, which increases the risk of public health.
This case emphasizes concerns about agro-terrorism-insented use of pathogens such as Fusarium graminearum, undercut national food supply, causing economic damage and potential health crisis.
The fungus itself usually infects people directly. However, its global significance lies in strong mycotoxins that produces – especially deoxynivenol (DON), also known as vomitoxin.
These toxins can survive food processing and enter the chain of human food and create potential health risks when they are consumed in contaminated grains or grain -based.
As he enters the body
People are exposed to Fusarium graminearum toxins mainly: ingestion of contaminated food (bread, cereals, pasta, beer), inhalation of dust from contaminated grain during agriculture or processing and skin contact.
The effects of health on the human body
The main toxin, deoxynelenol (DON), affects gastrointestinal and immune systems.
Nausea and vomiting are the first and most common symptom. In some cases, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever and headache could be.
Imunotoxicity also suppresses the body’s ability to fight infections. There is growth retardation, especially in children exposed to contaminated diet.
Who is the most endangered?
Infants and children, people with weakened immune system, farmers and grain exposed to dust from infected crops and populations in areas unsecured with food limited.
(tagstotranslate) fusarium graminearum
