Press Releases
VICAM ANNOUNCES HPLC TEST FOR T-2 TOXIN
Arrival of new test applauded due to need for quantitative detection
WATERTOWN, MA (December 4, 2003) –– VICAM, a world leader in agricultural biotechnology and bioseparations, has introduced a new HPLC test for the detection of T-2 toxin. This new test, T-2test™ HPLC, further demonstrates VICAM’s leadership and depth in the mycotoxin testing marketplace by offering a test designed solely for HPLC users. T-2test HPLC will complement VICAM’s T-2 TAG line, a fluorometer-based test for T-2. VICAM prides itself on developing rapid, accurate, easy-to-use tests which give precise numerical results. VICAM is known internationally for its rapid mycotoxin and microbiological testing systems for the food and feed industries.
Klaus Ruttmann, European Sales Manager for VICAM, says of the test: “Scientists and European Union authorities have realized the dangers of T-2 and are working hard to establish both an acceptable limit and easy testing method. VICAM is pleased to offer an immunoaffinity column to determine T-2 using both HPLC and fluorometric methods.”
About T-2
T-2 is one of the more toxic trichothecene mycotoxins. The trichothecene
mycotoxins comprise a group of chemically related fugal metabolites
produced by Fusarium among other molds. T-2 is estimated to be 10 times
more toxic than a related trichothecene mycotoxin, DON (Deoxynivalenol,
also known as vomitoxin). Worldwide contamination of agricultural products
with T-2 has been reported and this mycotoxin has been implicated as
a causative agent of severe nutritional intoxications of livestock
and humans (Kierek-Jaszczuk, 1996). General signs of trichothecene
toxicity in animals can include weight loss, decreased feed conversion,
feed refusal, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, severe dermatitis, hemorrhage,
decreased egg production, and death (Morehouse, 1985). T-2 demonstrates
its impact on the livestock industry and humans through its ability
to cause lesions on the skin and in the throat. At the practical poultry
production level, birds suffer retarded growth, abnormal feathering,
anaemia and oral lesions, leading to decreased feed intake, egg production,
and egg shell quality. T-2 has been implicated in and may play a role
in the human disease alimentary toxic aleukia. In this disease, impaired
immune function, hemorrhage and digestive disorders are among the symptoms.
Because of concerns about T-2, reliable and sensitive analytical methods
for the quantification of T-2 are required to prevent its entrance
into the food chain at levels that might cause untoward effects (Kierek-Jaszczuk,
1996).
Advantages of T-2test HPLC
T-2test HPLC combines affinity
column chromatography with HPLC technology to determine T-2 in wheat,
corn and cereal grains such as barley, oats, sorghum, and rice. The
test is sensitive enough to detect levels of T-2 as low as 5 µg/kg – critical
sensitivity when testing for a substance that is injurious in trace
amounts. A wide range allows measurement at levels as high as 1500 µg/kg. T-2test
HPLC also features a recovery rate greater than 80%. In addition
to its speed, sensitivity, and accuracy, this new test for the detection
of T-2 provides a quantitative result using the same equipment as VICAM’s
other mycotoxin tests.
Availability and Pricing
Orders are currently being accepted for T-2test
HPLC and pricing information may be obtained by contacting VICAM
or your local distributor.
About VICAM
VICAM is a world leader in agricultural biotechnology and bioseparations.
VICAM delivers improved animal reproductivity, increased agricultural
productivity, and safeguarded food quality with patented bioseparations
and detection products worldwide. Their products include detection,
measurement, and separations technologies for veterinary reproductive
applications, foodborne carcinogens, and living cells. To date, VICAM
has applied its technologies to 18 products and 3 prototypes. VICAM
supports a global scientific and distribution presence to develop,
market, sell, and service their products in 97 countries worldwide.
For more information, contact Jennifer Smith at VICAM, 313 Pleasant
Street, Watertown, MA 02472 U.S.A.
All VICAM products are protected by worldwide patents and trademarks.
Contact:
Jennifer Smith
Manager of Corporate Communications
VICAM
Tel: +1.617.926.7045
Fax: +1.617.923.8055
References:
Kierek-Jaszczuk, D., R. Marquardt, and D. Abramson, 1996. Use of Heterologous Solid-Phase Antigen in an Indirect Competitive Antibody-Capture Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for T-2 Mycotoxin.pp. 321-327. Journal of Food Protection.
Morehouse, L.G., 1985. Mycotoxins of vertinary importance in the United States. pp. 383-410. In J. Lacey (Ed.).Trichothecenes and other mycotoxins. Proc. Intl. Mycotoxin Sympos., Sydney, Australia, 1984. John Wiley & Sons, New York.