History and exam
Key diagnostic factors
common
presence of risk factors
Key risk factors include occupational exposure, consumption of contaminated foods, and biological terrorism.
burning pain (skin or mucosal contact)
Skin or oral mucosa. Onset usually immediately after exposure.
blistering rash (skin or mucosal contact)
Blistering and bullous lesions are seen.
Other diagnostic factors
common
erythema (skin or mucosal contact)
Skin irritation is prevalent in T-2 mycotoxin exposure.
blurred vision/corneal damage (ocular exposure)
Ocular exposure might result in blurred vision and corneal damage.
vomiting (ingestion)
Onset is usually between 8 and 12 hours after ingestion of, for example, contaminated grain.[11]
diarrhoea (ingestion)
Onset is usually between 8 and 12 hours after ingestion of, for example, contaminated grain.[11]
dyspnoea (inhalation)
Seen following inhalation exposure.
cough (inhalation)
Possibly with haemoptysis.
nasal irritation (inhalation)
Nasal pain and rhinorrhoea are seen with inhalation exposure.
uncommon
necrosis (skin or mucosal contact)
Necrosis of affected skin may occur in severe cases.[26]
bleeding (inhalation)
Blood-tinged saliva and sputum, and epistaxis are seen particularly with inhalation exposure.
chest crackles and wheeze (inhalation)
Widespread wheezes and crackles indicate bronchospasm and pulmonary oedema.
tachycardia
Seen in more severe cases.
hypotension
Seen in more severe cases.
dizziness
May be severe.
weakness
Sign of systemic toxicity.
ataxia
Usually mild.
prostration
Seen in more severe cases.
hypothermia
Seen in more severe cases.
coagulopathy
Sign of systemic toxicity.
fever
Later symptom; sign of systemic toxicity.
Risk factors
strong
occupational exposure
Laboratory workers in contact with T-2 mycotoxin are at high risk due to the toxicity and because it can be absorbed through intact skin; however, these workers usually deal with extremely low amounts (and concentrations) and use protective measures to minimise risk. First responders who are unaware of a potential aerosol exposure are at risk.
contaminated foods
People who consume contaminated grains that may have high levels of mycotoxins are at increased risk of adverse health effects.
biological terrorism
A deliberate release of T-2 mycotoxin should be suspected if patients with acute respiratory symptoms and blistering, painful rash present in large numbers.
Symptoms among patients with a common geographical location may also suggest an act of bioterrorism.
weak
skin exposure
Human-to-human transmission may occur via skin contact.
Skin effects and rate of absorption are influenced by a number of factors, including skin thickness and structure, age, nutritional status, and skin compromised by infections, irritation, or injury.
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