Aflatoxicosis

Which mycotoxin

Aflatoxin

Toxigenic strain of

Aspergillus

Contamination

Stored grain and nuts, high moisture

Which aflatoxin is most potent

Aflatoxin B1 

Where are they absorbed and metabolised

Absorbed in small intestine and metabolised in liver

What does it bind to

DNA and proteins and inhibit nucleic acid synthesis

Which type of cell does it mainly damage

Hepatocytes and cause necrosis and fibrosis

Effects

Carcinogen, mutagenic, teratogenic, immunosuppressive (thymus atrophy)

Acute findings 

Ataxia, tremors, death

Chronic findings

Poor growth, anorexia, jaundice, hepatophathy

Liver lesions

Enlarged, pale, fatty degeneration