Ergot alkaloids are classified as indole alkaloids, with lysergic acid as a common struc-
ture to all representatives of this group. They are produced in the sclerotia of species of
Claviceps, which are common pathogens of various grass species. Uptake of these sclerotia,
or ergots, has been associated with human diseases reported in the Middle Ages, leading to
ergotism or St. Anthony’s fire after ingestion of cereals infected with ergot sclerotia, usu-
ally in the form of bread made from contaminated flour (Bennet and Bentley, 1999). While
modern methods of grain cleaning have almost eliminated ergotism as human disease, it
is still an important veterinary problem. The principal animals at risk are cattle, sheep,
pigs, and chickens. Clinical symptoms of ergotism in animals include gangrene, abortion,
convulsions, suppression of lactation, hypersensitivity and ataxia
Ergot alkaloids are classified as indole alkaloids, with lysergic acid as a common struc-ture to all representatives of this group. They are produced in the sclerotia of species ofClaviceps, which are common pathogens of various grass species. Uptake of these sclerotia,or ergots, has been associated with human diseases reported in the Middle Ages, leading toergotism or St. Anthony’s fire after ingestion of cereals infected with ergot sclerotia, usu-ally in the form of bread made from contaminated flour (Bennet and Bentley, 1999). Whilemodern methods of grain cleaning have almost eliminated ergotism as human disease, itis still an important veterinary problem. The principal animals at risk are cattle, sheep,pigs, and chickens. Clinical symptoms of ergotism in animals include gangrene, abortion,convulsions, suppression of lactation, hypersensitivity and ataxia
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