Mycotoxins: Effects of Fungal Toxins on Human and Animal Health

Catalog description

Description and history of mycotoxicoses. Mycotoxin formation, occurrence, control, economic and social impacts, and regulatory issues. PPEM 427 Mycotoxins: Effects of Fungal Toxins on Human and Animal Health (3) This course will provide a comprehensive overview of the multi-disciplinary subject of mycotoxicology. Mycotoxins are chemicals produced by fungi that are toxic to humans and animals. Students will become familiar with the history and description of mycotoxins and mycotoxicoses, formation of mycotoxins, biology of mycotoxigenic fungi, methods of mycotoxin analysis, fate of mycotoxins in food processing, management and prevention of mycotoxins, regulations, and economic and social impacts. This course is appropriate for students who wish to learn more about fungi beyond the introductory level, as well as for those with interests in animal science and husbandry. The subject of mycotoxicology involves most aspects of the agriculture-food system so students of food science, crop and soil science, entomology and plant pathology will find relevant topics in mycotoxicology. Biology and microbiology students especially those with interests in plant-associated microbes and ecology will also benefit from this course. Course format will be two lectures per week and one period of discussion that will include laboratory activities, field trips, case study discussions, and student presentations.