Tremor syndrome associated with a fungal toxin: sequelae of food contamination.
We report on an elderly couple who presented with a syndrome that included severe generalised tremor and incoordination after eating soup from a damaged can. Black mould contaminating the can was subcultured and the fungus Penicillium crustosum was identified. This fungus usually produces a potent neurotoxin called penitrem A. The couple displayed symptoms consistent with penitrem A ingestion, all of which resolved fully. Penitrem A intoxication has been well documented in animals, but not in humans.
Lewis
Peter R
PR
Emergency Department, Central Coast Health, Gosford, NSW. plewis@doh.health.nsw.gov.au
Donoghue
Michael B
MB
Hocking
Ailsa D
AD
Cook
Lucy
L
Granger
Linda V
LV
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005506:Food Contamination; D005516:Food Microbiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009183:Mycotoxins / Q000506:poisoning*; D010407:Penicillium / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000378:metabolism; D013577:Syndrome; D014202:Tremor / Q000209:etiology*
D009183:Mycotoxins; C003626:tremortin