These fungal virulence factors also easily lend themselves to military applications. Diacetoxyscirpenol T2 toxin Trichothecenes are an attractive warfare agent because they may enter the body either by way of the skin, by inhalation, or by ingestion. If used, trichothecenes would be deployed in an aerosol. Preparation requires no great chemical wizardry. Vomiting and bleeding an effective means of incapacitating troops and civilians result from mild mycotoxicosis.
Severe poisoning leads to a protracted death.
Chronic Sequelae of Foodborne Disease Pathogens, their toxins, and their long-term effects. From James A. Lindsay, University of Florida at Gainesville. Mycotoxins and Mycotoxicoses Economically important food-contaminating agents produced by fungi. Reduced Virulence of Trichothecene-Nonproducing Mutants of Gibberella zeae in Wheat Field Tests Role of trichothecenes in wheat head scab. Abstract provided by the American Phytopathological Society.