Aflatoxicosis
Aflatoxicosis
- Aflatoxins are produced primarily by filamentous fungi Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus.
Types
- Four types of aflatoxins have been described
- B1(most potent liver carcinogen)
- B2
- G1
- G2
- Animals consuming feeds contaminated with aflatoxin B1 leads to secretion in the milk of aflatoxin M1 and M2
Effects of aflatoxins
- When consumed in large doses, they are lethal in causing acute hemorrhagic syndromes
- Sub-lethal doses cause histotoxic changes
- Long-term consumption of small doses cause liver tumors as these are potent carcinogens.
Prevention
- Proper drying and storage of grains and other affected foods
- Quality control of potentially hazardous foods to ensure that they do not contain above the allowable limits of 20 ppb before consumption by use of appropriate analytical tests.
- Use of fungicides as seed dressings to protect stored cereals and other foods like pulses and potatoes against fungal invasion.
Exam Question
- Aflatoxins are produced primarily by filamentous fungi Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus.
- B1 aflatoxin(most potent liver carcinogen)
- Long-term consumption of small doses causes liver tumours as these are potent carcinogens.
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