Introduction
AFLATOXINS :
Aflatoxins are one of the most potent and dangerous groups of mycotoxins worldwide. Over four billion people in developing countries are repeatedly exposed to aflatoxins, contributing to greater than 40 percent of the disease burden in these countries. Aflatoxins are produced primarily by the fungi Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. There are four main types of aflatoxins: B1, B2, G1, and G2. Aflatoxin B1 is the major toxin produced, and is regulated in the United States in agricultural products that may be used in human food. The clinical effects of aflatoxins may include death, liver cancer, reproductive problems, anemia, immune system suppression, and jaundice. Nursing animals may be severely affected by a toxic derivative of aflatoxin (aflatoxin M1) that can be passed through milk. Aflatoxin contamination is economically important in crops such as maize, peanuts, cottonseed, and tree nuts. Powdery, grey-green spores may develop on the surface of maize ears, and aflatoxins may be produced by the fungus until the kernel moisture reaches about 15 percent. High temperatures, drought stress, and insect injury may contribute to increased aflatoxin contamination in maize. Cottonseed, an important food source for dairy cattle, may become contaminated with aflatoxins if the seed-bearing capsules (bolls) are damaged, followed by high humidity and warm temperatures before or after harvest. Tree nuts such as pistachios and almonds may become contaminated with aflatoxins during injury, such as the splitting of hulls.
Schmale, D.G., and G.P. Munkvold. 2009. Mycotoxins in Crops. The Plant Health Instructor. DOI: 10.1094/PHI-I-2009-0715-01. Reviewed 2014.