Question

Alimentary Toxic Aleukia (ATA) is Mycotoxicosis caused by ……. toxic metabolites.

• A. Fusariogenin and Epicladosporic acid
• B. Luteoskyrin and Cyclochlorotine
• C. Sterigmatocystin and Penicillic acid
• D. DON and Cyclopiazonic acid

Hint:

ATA = Moldy grain under snow = Fusarium = T-2 toxin. If T-2 isn't an option, look for "Fusariogenin."

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
ATA is a severe food poisoning condition historically observed in the USSR caused by eating grain that had overwintered in the fields under snow. The question asks for the toxic metabolites responsible.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

• The Pathogen: ATA is primarily caused by molds of the genus Fusarium (specifically F. sporotrichioides) and sometimes Cladosporium.

• Toxic Metabolites: The primary toxins are trichothecenes like T-2 toxin. However, early research (by Joffe and others) identified specific metabolites associated with these contaminated grains:
- Fusariogenin: A toxin from Fusarium.
- Epicladosporic acid: A toxin from Cladosporium epiphyllum.
Modern science confirms T-2 as the main cause, but Option (A) reflects the classical toxicological literature on ATA.

• Option (B): These are "Yellow Rice" toxins from Penicillium islandicum.

• Option (C): Sterigmatocystin is a precursor to Aflatoxin; Penicillic acid is from Aspergillus and Penicillium.

• Option (D): DON (Deoxynivalenol) causes "Vomitoxin" syndrome, not ATA.

Step 3: Final Answer:
ATA is caused by metabolites of Fusarium and Cladosporium, namely Fusariogenin and Epicladosporic acid.