Abrin poisoning

Numerous laboratory studies in mammals have demonstrated that ricin and abrin are highly toxic and potentially fatal to animals and humans. Major symptoms of both ricin and abrin poisoning are dependent on the route of exposure, the dose (or number of beans) received, or the content of toxin in the seed (or age of seed). Upon ingestion, toxicity is dependent on the degree of mastication if the bean was... 

Data about the effeets of riein and abrin poisoning on humans are limited. Due to initial symptoms resembling gastroenteritis or respiratory illness, it is often difficult to discern from other illnesses. Therefore, it is important to observe for epidemiological signs indicative of chemical release. 

Symptoms of abrin inhalation are similar to ricin exposure. Initial symptoms of abrin poisoning by inhalation may occur within 8 h of exposure. Symptoms include respiratory distress, fever, cough, nausea, and tightness in the chest. Heavy sweating may follow as well as pulmonary edema. Finally, low blood pressure and respiratory failure may occur, leading to death (Ellenhom and Barceloux, 1997 Kortepeter and Parker, 1999 Eitzen et al., 2001). 

There is no specific treatment for ricin or abrin. Therefore the only recommendation is to rid the body of the toxins as quickly as possible. Ricin and abrin poisoning is treated by giving victims the appropriate supportive medical care to... 

Modeccin has a delayed I.D50 of 2.3 pg/kg if lethaUty is measured 10 days after exposure (Stirpe et al., 1978). The postmortem pathology observed after modeccin injection is similar but not identical to that observed foUowing ricin or abrin poisoning (Flexner, 1897 Green and Andrews, 1923b Waller et al., 1966 Derenzini et al., 1976 Olsnes and Pihl, 1977 Stirpe et al., 1978). 

The human fatal dose of abrin via parenteral routes has been estimated to be approximately 0.1-1 JLg/kg based on case reports of accidental or intentional ingestion. No serious toxic effects were observed in terminal cancer patients treated with as much as approximately 0.3 p,g/kg (i.v.) abrin (Dickers et al., 2003). As with ricin, however, most documented cases of abrin poisoning in humans have involved chewing or swallowing A. precatorius (jequirity) seeds, a route of exposure that is much less dangerous and which predominantly causes GI toxicity (Gunsoulus, 1955 Hart, 1963 Davis, 1978 Fernando, 2001). 

The seeds of the rosary pea have been used to make beaded jewelry, which can lead to abrin poisoning if the seeds are swallowed. 

Abrin poisoning is not contagious. It cannot be spread from person to person through casual contact. 

Effects of abrin poisoning depend on whether abrin was inhaled, ingested, or injected. 

The major. symptoms of abrin poisoning depend on the route of exposure and the dose received, though many organs may be affected in severe cases. 

Initial symptoms of abrin poisoning by inhalation may occur within 8 hours of exposure. Following ingestion of abrin, initial symptoms may occur in less than 6 hours but usually are delayed for 1 to 3 days. 

Death from abrin poisoning could take place within 36 to 72 hours of exposure, depending on the route of expo.sure (inhalation, ingestion, or injection) and the dose received. If death has not occurred in 3 to 5 days, the victim usually recovers. 

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