Ricin: Mechanism of Toxicity, Clinical Manifestations, and Vaccine Development. A Review

Abstract

Ricin is one of the most potent plant toxins known, and the castor plant from which it is derived, Ricinus communis, is ubiquitous. The harvesting of castor beans exceeds one million tons annually, and ricin is easier to produce than either anthrax or botulinum. As a result, ricin is a convenient, potent, and available toxin for terrorist acts. This paper will review the mechanism of toxicity, major clinical manifestations, treatment, current methods of detection, and vaccine development.

Keywords :

• Ricin
• Anthrax
• Botulinum
• Vaccine development

Notes

^aThe 2002 report includes citations for all previous AAPCC TESS reports.

^bNo effect: The patient developed no signs or symptoms as a result of the exposure. Minor effect: The patient developed minor signs or symptoms (e.g., gastrointestinal symptoms) as a result of the exposure and generally resolved rapidly. Moderate effect: The patient developed more pronounced signs or symptoms as a result of exposure that are more pronounced and prolonged than minor effect. Major effect: The patient developed signs or symptoms as result of exposure which were life‐threatening [From Ref. 10].