„Mycotoxins in Hungary: Clinical, pathophysiological 
and epidemiological aspcets“

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites of moulds (microscopic, heterotrophic organisms, wide-spread in the nature) that cause toxic responses when ingested by animals or humans. Their economic impact is significant, losses are manifested in plant and animal production, or in food industry as well. The most ferquently occurring mícotoxins in Hunagry are fusarium toxins, e.g. DON, zearalenone T-2 and fumonisins, with incidence of about 60-70, 30-40, 10-20 and 30 %, respectively. Conditions favourable for Fusaria are: climate, acidification of soils, susceptible plant varieties, not appropriate cultivation techniques. 

Trichothecene toxins exert a feed refusal effect. According to the findings T-2 results in a significant decrease in the egg production (0.2 ppm) in laying hens, in daily weight gain and immune response in pigs (0.5 ppm). Zearalenone causes infertility, and may decrease conception rate to 50-60 % in pigs. According to the investigation into the time and dose dependent effect of fumonisin B1 1 ppm was suggested as the NOEL in weaned pigs. It was concluded that FB1 crossed the placenta and caused pulmonary oedema in pig fetuses, and the toxin was excreted in milk. When looking at the possible accumulation of the toxin in different porcine tissues it was concluded that FB1 does not pose a serious human health risk when consuming pig products. 

The impact of mycotoxins in the human food chain is an important issue worldwide. Nearly all sorts of foods may be contaminated (milk, meat, egg, cereals, wine and grape products, beer, fruits, vegetables, coffee etc.). Main human health aspectes are: carcinogenic effect (aflatoxin, ochratoxin A, fumonisins), mutagenic and teratogenic effect (zearalenone, ochratoxin A), reproductive disorders (zearalenone, trichothecens), immunosuppressive  effect (trichothecens), lipid peroxidation (T-2, aflatoxin, ochratoxin A, fumonisins), apoptosis (T-2, aflatoxin, ochratoxin A, fumonisins), neurotoxic effect (fumonisins, trichothecens).

New hybrids genetically resistant to Fusaria, appropriate cultivation techniques, better conditions of storage and efficient practical tools for neutralisation are needed.