How do you get a diagnosis of ricin?

Laboratory criterion for diagnosis include detection of ricin in environmental samples. Tests performed on ricin-suspicious samples include: Time-resolved fluorescence immunoassay: antibody binds to ricin. Polymerase chain reaction: locates and makes copies of parts of the DNA contained in the castor bean plant.

What causes ricin?

Inhaled ricin causes fever, chest tightness, cough and severe respiratory problems, including fluid buildup in the lungs (pulmonary edema). Ingested ricin causes intestinal bleeding and organ damage. The poison can kill within three days of exposure. Even a small amount of ricin may be fatal.

What are the characteristics of ricin?

Agent Characteristics APPEARANCE: White powder. Can be prepared in liquid or crystalline form. DESCRIPTION: Ricin is an extremely toxic plant protein derived from the seeds of the castor bean plant (Ricinus communis).

What is the treatment for exposure to ricin?

No antidote exists for ricin. Prompt medical care is critical. Ricin poisoning is treated by giving the victim supportive care to minimize the effects of the poisoning. Care could include such measures as helping the victim breathe, and giving intravenous fluids and medications to treat seizures and low blood pressure.

What is ricin chemical formula?

Ricin Chemical Formula This is glycoproteic in nature. Each mole of ricin is in oses composition, that is 15 moles of mannose and 8 moles of N-acetyl-glucosamine per mole of ricin. It has a bi-catenary amino acid structure.

Can doctors diagnose ricin poisoning?

There is, however no commercially available assay currently available for detection of ricin in biological samples. Prophylaxis against ricin poisoning can be tried through vaccination.

What happens if we eat castor seeds?

Consuming the whole castor seed is UNSAFE. The outer coating (hull) of the castor seed contains a deadly poison called ricin. This outer coating can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, dehydration, shock, severe fluid and chemical disturbances, damage to the liver, kidney, and pancreas, and death.

Is ricin a biological hazard?

Ricin is one of the most toxic biological agents known—a Category B bioterrorism agent and a Schedule number 1 chemical warfare agent. Ricin toxin can be extracted from castor beans, purified and treated to form a pellet, a white powder, or dissolved in water or weak acid to be released as a liquid.

How is ricin used as a weapon?

The substance can be made into a powder, mist, or pellet as a biological agent for warfare, exposing people through food, water, or air. The United States looked at using ricin as a weapon in World War I, either using it to coat bullets, or creating a dust cloud of the toxin that would be inhaled by the enemy.

Can ricin be detected in India?

There is, however no commercially available assay currently available for detection of ricin in biological samples.

Which part of castor seed is poisonous?

Is Ricinus communis poisonous?

However, Ricinus communis is classified as the most poisonous plant on earth for humans [24]. The toxicity of raw castor beans is due to the presence of ricin [24], a naturally occurring lectin (a carbohydrate-binding protein). However, ingestion of seeds of the castor oil plant is rare [74].

Could you diagnose ricin poisoning?

Have your blood tested. Within a few hours of ricin poisoning, your organs may begin to experience decreased function as they cope with the toxin. As a result, one of the best ways to diagnose ricin poisoning is through a blood work up. Alert authorities so they can test specific locations for ricin.

What are the symptoms of ricin poison?

Ricin poisoning. Signs and symptoms of ricin poisoning depend on whether a person inhales or ingests ricin. Inhaled ricin causes fever, chest tightness, cough and severe respiratory problems, including fluid buildup in the lungs (pulmonary edema). Ingested ricin causes intestinal bleeding and organ damage.

Can ricin poisoning be cured?

There is no antidote for ricin poisoning, thus there is no cure for it. Avoiding exposure is the best preventative. If exposure cannot be avoided, the first step in treatment is to get it off or out of the body as quickly as possible. Treatment for poisoning involves supportive medical care to minimize the effects of the poison.

Why is ricin so toxic?

Ricin is a toxin produced in the endosperm of the castor seeds. It is a protein. Ricin enters cells ribosomes and prevents the synthesis of proteins in the cells killing them. Ricin is poisonous when ingested or inhaled. 5-10 seeds of the castor oil plant may kill.