T-2 Mycotoxins

T-2 Mycotoxins are a fungus produced toxin derived from grain mold. They are the only class of toxin that cause skin blisters within a relatively short time after exposure (minutes to hours).

Signs and Symptoms

Exposure causes skin pain, itching due to irritation, redness, cyst, necrosis and sloughing of the epidermis. Effects on the airway include nose and throat pain, nasal discharge, itching and sneezing, cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain and blood flexed phlegm. Mycotoxins also produce effects after ingestion or eye contact. Severe intoxication results in prostration, weakness, loss of coordination, collapse, shock, and death.

Diagnosis

An aerosol attack should be suspected if a "yellow rain" with droplets of variously pigmented oily fluids appears, contaminating clothes and the environment. Confirmation requires testing of blood, tissue and environmental samples.

Treatment

There is no specific antidote. Treatment is supportive. Soap and water washing, even 4-6 hours after exposure can significantly reduce dermal toxicity; washing within 1 hour may prevent toxicity entirely. Superactivated charcoal should be given orally if the toxin is swallowed.

Preventative Measures

The only defense is to prevent exposure by staying under cover if an attack with mycotoxins is suspected. No specific vaccine or therapy is available.

Isolation and Decontamination

Outer clothing should be removed and exposed skin decontaminated with soap and water. Eye exposure should be treated with copious saline irrigation. Secondary aerosols are not a hazard; however, contact with contaminated skin and clothing can produce secondary dermal exposures. Contact Precautions are warranted until decontamination is accomplished. Then, Standard Precautions are recommended for healthcare workers. Environmental decontamination requires the use of a hypochlorite (household bleach) solution.