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Aflatoxins are natural mycotoxins produced by
several species of the fungus Aspergillus. The most famous, and the first to be
identified, is Aspergillus flavus, after which the compound were named:
A(spergillus) FLA(vus). Aflatoxins are highly poisonous and carcinogenic to
animals and humans.
Contamination Conditions
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Corn cob
contaminated with Aspergillus parasiticus mold |
Aspergillus' native habitat is soil, decaying organic materials. When there is
sufficient moisture, Aspergillus attacks grain and forms aflatoxin and other
mycotoxins as it grows.
The materials most frequently affected by aflatoxin contamination include
cereals such as corn, wheat, sorghum, rice (polished and
unpolished), and
others seeds
with high oil content such as groundnut, soybean,
sunflower, cotton, almond, pistachio, walnut, coconut, peanut,
legumes.
The original aflatoxin, or its metabolites, can also be detected in milk
of animals fed on contaminated feed.
Among the bio-converted Aflatoxins detectable in milk,
should me mentioned Aflatoxin M1, Aflatoxin M2 where the letter M stands for
Milk.
Pathology
Exposure to high concentrations of aflatoxin leads to necrosis, cirrhosis,
and liver carcinoma.
All species investigated are susceptible to the aflatoxin intoxications,
however, humans have relatively high tolerance.
Children exposed to low level of aflatoxin exhibit delayed development.
Chronic low level exposure to aflatoxin may lead to liver cirrhosis,
failure and hepatocellular carcinoma.
Major types of Aflatoxins
At least 20 different types of aflatoxin are produced in nature. Aflatoxin B1 is
considered the most toxic and is produced by both Aspergillus flavus and
Aspergillus parasiticus. Aflatoxin G1 and G1 are produced exclusively by
Aspergillus parasiticus.
The most important Aflatoxins are : B1,B2, G1, G2, M1, M2.
Aflatoxin B1, B2 : produced by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus.
Aflatoxin G1, G2 : produced by Aspergillus parasiticus.
Aflatoxin M1, M2 : metabolites of Aflatoxin B1, B2 (correspondingly) in mammals,
secreted in milk.Many other
Aflatoxins were found in nature and identified. However due to their rare
occurrence and/or low toxicity they are not
considered economically significant.
Aflatoxin products from Fermentek
Fermentek supplies the full
range of the economically significant, legally regulated aflatoxin varieties:
B1, B2, G1, G2, M1, M2. These are supplied both as crystalline solids, and as
pre-calibrated liquid standard solutions. |
