ricin

Last reviewed 01/2018

• 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

Reference:

1. CEM/CMO/2003/1