What treatment should be given to a patient exposed to T-2 mycotoxins via ingestion?

• A. Therapy for poison ingestion including the administration of super-activated charcoal.
• B. Gastric lavage
• C. Antidote specific to T-2
• D. IV fluids only

Answer: (A)

Decontamination with a strong adsorbent in the gut is the primary approach when there isn’t a specific antidote for an ingested toxin. For T-2 mycotoxin, no antidote exists, so binding the toxin in the gastrointestinal tract to prevent further absorption is the best approach. Administering super activated charcoal soon after ingestion can adsorb the toxin and reduce systemic exposure, especially when given within the first hour or two and with airway protection to avoid aspiration. Gastric lavage is not routinely recommended due to limited benefit and risk of complications, and simply providing IV fluids, while important for supportive care, does not remove the toxin from the gut. So the emphasis is on toxin decontamination with charcoal to limit absorption.