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'''Bongkrek acid''' is a potent toxin associated with outbreaks of food poisoning, particularly in fermented coconut and corn products. This toxic compound is primarily produced by the bacterium ''[[Pseudomonas cocovenenans]]'', now reclassified as ''[[Burkholderia gladioli]] pv. cocovenenans''. Bongkrek acid poisoning has been most commonly reported in Indonesia and China, where the fermentation of coconut or corn to produce traditional foods such as ''tempe bongkrek'' is practiced. The consumption of food contaminated with bongkrek acid can lead to severe and often fatal outcomes, making it a significant concern for food safety.
{{Short description|A toxic compound produced by certain bacteria}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}


==Production and Characteristics==
'''Bongkrek acid''' is a potent respiratory toxin produced by the bacterium ''[[Burkholderia gladioli]]'' pathovar ''cocovenenans''. It is most commonly associated with foodborne illness resulting from the consumption of contaminated fermented coconut or corn products. The toxin is known for its ability to inhibit [[adenine nucleotide translocase]] (ANT) in the [[mitochondria]], leading to [[cellular respiration]] failure and potentially fatal outcomes.
Bongkrek acid is a respiratory toxin that inhibits the function of the mitochondrial ADP/ATP translocase, preventing cellular energy production. This mode of action is similar to that of other mitochondrial toxins, such as [[cyanide]] and [[arsenic]], which disrupt cellular respiration. The bacterium responsible for producing bongkrek acid, ''Burkholderia gladioli'' pv. cocovenenans, thrives in environments where there is a combination of high moisture and temperature, conditions often found in the process of fermenting food products.


==Symptoms and Treatment==
==Structure and Properties==
The symptoms of bongkrek acid poisoning can appear within a few hours to a couple of days after ingestion of contaminated food. Initial symptoms include stomach pain, sweating, general weakness, and eventually severe complications such as liver and kidney failure, metabolic acidosis, and coma. Due to its mechanism of action, bongkrek acid poisoning can rapidly progress to respiratory failure and death if not treated promptly.
[[File:Bongkrekic_acid.svg|Bongkrekic acid structure|thumb|left]]
Bongkrek acid is a polyketide compound with a complex structure that includes multiple [[hydroxyl]] groups and a long carbon chain. Its molecular formula is C28H42O7. The compound is characterized by its ability to bind to the adenine nucleotide translocase, a critical component of the mitochondrial inner membrane.


Treatment of bongkrek acid poisoning is primarily supportive, as there is no specific antidote. Management includes the administration of activated charcoal to limit absorption, supportive care to maintain vital functions, and dialysis in cases of kidney failure. Early intervention is crucial to improve the chances of survival.
==Biosynthesis==
[[File:Bongkrek_acid_synthesis_mechanism.jpg|Bongkrek acid synthesis mechanism|thumb|right]]
The biosynthesis of bongkrek acid involves a polyketide synthase (PKS) pathway. The bacterium ''Burkholderia gladioli'' utilizes a series of enzymatic reactions to assemble the polyketide chain, which is then modified to produce the active toxin. The synthesis involves the incorporation of acetate and malonate units, followed by cyclization and oxidation steps.


==Prevention==
==Mechanism of Action==
Prevention of bongkrek acid poisoning is primarily focused on controlling the fermentation process to inhibit the growth of ''Burkholderia gladioli'' pv. cocovenenans. This includes maintaining sanitary conditions, controlling temperature and moisture during fermentation, and avoiding the use of contaminated ingredients. Public health education on the risks associated with homemade fermented foods is also essential to prevent outbreaks.
Bongkrek acid exerts its toxic effects by inhibiting the adenine nucleotide translocase (ANT) in the mitochondria. ANT is responsible for the exchange of [[ADP]] and [[ATP]] across the mitochondrial membrane, a crucial step in cellular energy metabolism. By blocking this exchange, bongkrek acid disrupts ATP synthesis, leading to energy depletion and cell death.


==Epidemiology==
==Toxicity and Symptoms==
Bongkrek acid poisoning is relatively rare but has caused several fatal outbreaks, particularly in regions where fermenting coconut or corn is a traditional practice. The most significant outbreaks have been reported in Indonesia and China, where the consumption of contaminated ''tempe bongkrek'' and other fermented foods has led to multiple fatalities.
Ingestion of bongkrek acid-contaminated food can lead to severe poisoning. Symptoms typically include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, [[liver failure]], [[kidney failure]], and death. The onset of symptoms can occur within hours of consumption, and the severity depends on the dose and individual susceptibility.


==Conclusion==
==Prevention and Control==
Bongkrek acid is a deadly toxin that poses a significant risk in the production of certain fermented foods. Awareness of the conditions that favor the production of bongkrek acid and measures to prevent its formation are critical in avoiding poisoning incidents. Public health initiatives and food safety regulations play essential roles in mitigating the risks associated with bongkrek acid.
Preventing bongkrek acid poisoning involves controlling the growth of ''Burkholderia gladioli'' in food products. This can be achieved by maintaining proper hygiene during food preparation, avoiding the use of contaminated raw materials, and ensuring adequate fermentation conditions to inhibit bacterial growth.
 
==Related Pages==
* [[Foodborne illness]]
* [[Polyketide]]
* [[Mitochondrial toxicity]]
* [[Burkholderia gladioli]]


[[Category:Toxins]]
[[Category:Toxins]]
[[Category:Food safety]]
[[Category:Polyketides]]
[[Category:Bacterial diseases]]
[[Category:Foodborne illnesses]]
{{medicine-stub}}
<gallery>
File:Bongkrek_Acid_overall_scheme.jpg|Bongkrek acid overall scheme
File:Bongkrek_acid_synthesis_mechanism.jpg|Bongkrek acid synthesis mechanism
</gallery>
<gallery>
File:Bongkrekic_acid.svg|Bongkrekic acid structure
File:Bongkrek_Acid_overall_scheme.jpg|Bongkrek Acid overall scheme
File:Bongkrek_acid_synthesis_mechanism.jpg|Bongkrek acid synthesis mechanism
</gallery>

Latest revision as of 18:54, 23 March 2025

A toxic compound produced by certain bacteria



Bongkrek acid is a potent respiratory toxin produced by the bacterium Burkholderia gladioli pathovar cocovenenans. It is most commonly associated with foodborne illness resulting from the consumption of contaminated fermented coconut or corn products. The toxin is known for its ability to inhibit adenine nucleotide translocase (ANT) in the mitochondria, leading to cellular respiration failure and potentially fatal outcomes.

Structure and Properties[edit]

Bongkrekic acid structure

Bongkrek acid is a polyketide compound with a complex structure that includes multiple hydroxyl groups and a long carbon chain. Its molecular formula is C28H42O7. The compound is characterized by its ability to bind to the adenine nucleotide translocase, a critical component of the mitochondrial inner membrane.

Biosynthesis[edit]

Bongkrek acid synthesis mechanism

The biosynthesis of bongkrek acid involves a polyketide synthase (PKS) pathway. The bacterium Burkholderia gladioli utilizes a series of enzymatic reactions to assemble the polyketide chain, which is then modified to produce the active toxin. The synthesis involves the incorporation of acetate and malonate units, followed by cyclization and oxidation steps.

Mechanism of Action[edit]

Bongkrek acid exerts its toxic effects by inhibiting the adenine nucleotide translocase (ANT) in the mitochondria. ANT is responsible for the exchange of ADP and ATP across the mitochondrial membrane, a crucial step in cellular energy metabolism. By blocking this exchange, bongkrek acid disrupts ATP synthesis, leading to energy depletion and cell death.

Toxicity and Symptoms[edit]

Ingestion of bongkrek acid-contaminated food can lead to severe poisoning. Symptoms typically include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, liver failure, kidney failure, and death. The onset of symptoms can occur within hours of consumption, and the severity depends on the dose and individual susceptibility.

Prevention and Control[edit]

Preventing bongkrek acid poisoning involves controlling the growth of Burkholderia gladioli in food products. This can be achieved by maintaining proper hygiene during food preparation, avoiding the use of contaminated raw materials, and ensuring adequate fermentation conditions to inhibit bacterial growth.

Related Pages[edit]