An aflatoxin research guide previously sold by the World Health Organization now is available for free as a downloadable PDF.
“Improving Public Health through Mycotoxin Control” contains a “scientific description of the occurrence and effects of mycotoxins but also goes further by outlining approaches to reduce mycotoxin exposure aimed at improving public health in low-income countries,” according to the International Agency for Research Center (IARC). In the past, the guide only was available by purchasing a printed copy from the WHO, but now, after a five-year effort, researchers throughout the world can access the document through the IARC website.
The book includes a general synopsis of fungi-producing mycotoxins and the physical and chemical characteristics of those that are “significant in causing disease.” Chapters discuss different types of mycotoxins, where they are found, and under which conditions they occur. After narrowing down aflatoxins, fumonisins, ochratoxin A, trichothecenes, zearalenone, and ergot alkaloids as the primary focus, the authors discuss information about structures and the chemical diversity between mycotoxins.
The book further describes proper sampling procedures and the difficulty in collecting a sample that accurately represents the mean-batch concentration. The book also communicates the specifics involved with the analysis of mycotoxin levels and states the need for “simple and appropriately validated tools” for use at the rural level.
There is also a discussion of the implications of animals ingesting mycotoxin-contaminated feed that may pass on the toxin to humans. The book also includes a four-step procedure for risk assessment – including, hazard identification, dose-response assessment, exposure assessment, and risk characterization.
With the objective of decreasing high mycotoxin exposure in low-income countries, making resources available that help inform and initiate research are critical to the mission. “Improving Public Health through Mycotoxin Control” is available as a free PDF by clicking here.