Ricin is a protein toxin that is derived from castor oil seeds. It inhibits protein synthesis and has widespread toxic effects on the body. These include damage to most organ systems and a combination of pulmonary, renal, liver and immunological failure may lead to death
No antidote is known: treatment can only be supportive
Clinical features:
the early symptoms depend on the route of exposure. Fever, gastrointestinal upset, coughing may be amongst the first symptoms noted.
absorption via the lung as a result of exposure to aerosolised toxin leads to particularly serious lung damage including pulmonary oedema and adult respiratory distress syndrome
ingestion of ricin causes irritation of the gut: gastroenteritis, bloody diarrhoea and vomiting
effects on the central nervous system have been reported including CNS depression and seizures
the effects of exposure to ricin may be delayed for some hours after exposure and patients who develop a fever may consult their own doctors
Diagnosis:
the early stages of ricin intoxication are difficult to distinguish from those of some infections; they may mimic septicaemia. Diagnosis will depend on a high index of suspicion
further information is available on the Public Health Laboratory website and from the National Poisons Information Service
patients thought to have been exposed to ricin should be referred to hospital. Those who remain asymptomatic for 24 hours may be discharged from hospital
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