Toxinology: Taxonomy, Interpretation, and Information Resources

Abstract

Toxinology is the scientific study of substances produced by living organisms, either delivered as venom, or otherwise residing within the tissues of animals, plants, mushrooms, and bacteria, and which may harm target organisms. Nomenclature and taxonomic issues related to toxinology are necessary prerequisites to precise retrieval and accurate interpretation of the online research and clinical literature. General guidelines to help ascertain the quality of studies are provided, and the challenge of characterizing the toxicity of the toxins is addressed. Information resources, ranging from professional societies to journals and books, as well as databases and other web resources are itemized.