What organism causes ergotism?

• A. Aspergillus flavus
• B. Candida albicans
• C. Claviceps purpurea
• D. Penicillium roqueforti

Answer: (C)

Ergotism comes from toxins produced by a fungus that infects cereal grains, most famously rye. The culprit is Claviceps purpurea, which forms ergot sclerotia in place of seeds on infected ears. Those ergot bodies contain ergot alkaloids that, when consumed, cause painful vasoconstriction and a range of symptoms from burning sensations and gangrene in the extremities to nervous symptoms like seizures or hallucinations. This is why contaminated grains have historically caused serious outbreaks.

The other fungi listed do not cause ergotism. Aspergillus flavus makes aflatoxins, which are potent carcinogens but produce a different kind of toxin and disease. Candida albicans is a yeast that causes candidiasis, typically opportunistic infections rather than toxin-mediated poisoning from grains. Penicillium roqueforti is used in cheese production and is not associated with ergot alkaloid production or ergotism.