Mycotoxins and Microbial Disruption: Insights Into Fungal Pathogenesis and Gut Health: A Literature Review

Abstract

The human body contains more microbial cells than human cells, with the gut microbiota playing a central role in maintaining homeostasis and regulating immune responses. Mycotoxins, toxic secondary metabolites produced by fungi, often enter the body through contaminated crops and poorly stored food. These compounds can disrupt the gut microbial balance, compromise intestinal barrier integrity, and suppress immune function, increasing susceptibility to infection and disease. Understanding these interactions is essential in evaluating the full impact of mycotoxins on host health. This review explores the interplay between host cells, gut microbiota, and six major food-associated mycotoxins. Findings from both human and animal studies are discussed, focusing on how these toxins disturb microbial communities, induce epithelial damage, and interfere with immune regulation. Mycotoxins contribute to dysbiosis by suppressing beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium while promoting the overgrowth of inflammatory species like Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens. These microbial shifts are closely linked to increased intestinal permeability and pro-inflammatory signalling. A significant concern involves masked mycotoxins—plant-conjugated derivatives that microbial enzymes reactivate in the gut, leading to enhanced toxicity. These forms can escape early detoxification and damage intestinal cells by disrupting membranes and inducing oxidative stress. This review emphasizes the need for therapeutic strategies addressing fungal invasion and mycotoxin toxicity. Potential approaches include inhibiting fungal adhesion, blocking microbial activation of masked toxins, and restoring microbial balance through targeted interventions.