VIOLIN: Vaccine Investigation and Online Information Network

Pathogen Page

Ricin toxin of Ricinus communis

I. General Information

1. NCBI Taxonomy ID:

2. Disease:

Ricin poisoning

3. Introduction

Ricin is a poison that can be made from the waste left over from processing castor beans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Castor beans are used to make castor oil.

Ricin can potentially be used as a biological weapon. It can be turned into an aerosol and inhaled. It can also be ingested from poisoned food or a contaminated water supply or injected.

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. The poison can kill within three days of exposure. Even a small amount of ricin may be fatal.

No widely available, reliable test exists to confirm exposure to ricin. There's no vaccine or antidote for ricin poisoning. Treatment is primarily supportive care (Mayo Clinic - Ricin poisoning).

Loading Pathogen Genes...

Loading Host Genes...

Loading Vaccines...

Loading References...

Table of Contents