Ergotism

Human and cattle ergotism since 1900

“…Although the government began to regulate the level of acceptable alkaloid concentrations in grains in 1926, there were over 10,000 cases of convulsive ergotism reported during this outbreak (Kent and Evers, 1994). The infection was likely spread by the consumption of contaminated bread and improper grain-cleaning techniques (Agrios, 2005; Shepherd, 2005). Chemical examination of the rye plants determined that 75% of the crops were infected with ergot and had a toxic alkaloid concentration value of 0.90%.…”

“…In addition to these well-known epidemics, there have been several smaller cases that have been reported but lack evidence and provide conflicting data. Although Irish people do not consume large quantities of rye compared with the rest of the European nations, many sources reference an Irish outbreak in 1929 without any other supporting evidence for the occurrence (Shepherd, 2005; Spinella, 2005; Williams, 2004). Similar issues have arisen for an epidemic that supposedly happened in 1929 in Ukraine (Spinella, 2005).…”

“…Similar issues have arisen for an epidemic that supposedly happened in 1929 in Ukraine (Spinella, 2005). An infamous epidemic in Pont St. Esprit, France, has been reported as occurring during 1953, although it seems that the accounts of the 1953 epidemic are actually describing the well-publicized 1951 cases (Shepherd, 2005).…”

“…The 1951, France epidemic was originally attributed to the consumption of ergotized rye. All the victims reported consuming bread from the same bakery, and it was determined that a baker had attempted to avoid paying a grain tax by baking bread with infected rye (Shepherd, 2005). Gangrenous and convulsive symptoms began on August 15, 1951, following a latent period of 6–48 h after the consumption of the poisoned bread.…”