Causes Ergotism

claviceps purpurea fungal sclerotia growing on barley

historically, eating grain products, particularly rye, contaminated fungus claviceps purpurea cause of ergotism.

the toxic ergoline derivatives found in ergot-based drugs (such methylergometrine, ergotamine or, previously, ergotoxine). deleterious side-effects occur either under high dose or when moderate doses interact potentiators such erythromycin.

the alkaloids can pass through lactation mother child, causing ergotism in infants.

identification of agent

ergot in barley

dark-purple or black grain kernels, known ergot bodies, can identifiable in heads of cereal or grass before harvest. in plants ergot bodies larger normal grain kernels, can smaller if grain type of wheat. larger separation between bodies , grain kernels show removal of ergot bodies during grain cleaning.