Etiology and History
The disease is caused by microscopic mold fungi—specifically Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. The name of the toxin group is an acronym derived from the Latin name of the primary producer: Aspergillus flavus toxins.
These dangerous metabolites were first discovered in 1960. The discovery was prompted by a sudden outbreak of a previously unknown disease in Great Britain, which drew researchers' attention to Aspergillus toxins.
Toxin Characteristics and Sources of Contamination
Aflatoxins are a complex group of chemical compounds. Several main fractions of these metabolites are identified: $B_1$, $B_2$, $B_{2a}$, $G_1$, $G_2$, $G_{2a}$, $M_1$, and $M_2$. The primary epidemiological danger of aflatoxins lies in their high toxicity and thermostability. They are not destroyed even by thorough thermal processing of food products.
The problem is geographically widespread. Human contamination occurs via the alimentary route through contaminated food:
- Plant products: Toxins are most frequently found in cereal grains, peanuts, carrots, beans, and cocoa.
- Animal products: Aflatoxins can accumulate in the tissues and biological fluids of animals, making meat, milk, and various types of cheese potential sources of poisoning.
Clinical Presentation of Acute Poisoning
Acute aflatoxicosis is characterized by an extremely rapid onset of symptoms and high lethality. The pathological process affects multiple body systems simultaneously:
- Internal organ damage: Pronounced gastrointestinal dysfunctions are observed. However, the key link in pathogenesis is severe hepatotoxicity. The toxins induce hepatic tissue necrosis, which can subsequently progress to cirrhosis. Furthermore, there is a high risk of developing primary liver cancer.
- Neurological symptoms: Patients suffer from generalized motor sluggishness, convulsive syndrome, and paresis.
- Vascular and tissue disorders: Toxic effects on the vascular wall lead to hemorrhages (multiple bleedings) and extensive edema.
Spectrum of Other Aspergillus Mycotoxins
In addition to classical aflatoxins, various species of the genus Aspergillus are capable of producing a range of other dangerous toxic substances.
| Mycotoxin | Producing Species (Aspergillus) |
|---|---|
| Ochratoxins A, B, C | A. ochraceus |
| Patulin | A. terreus, A. niveus, A. candidum |
| Gliotoxin | A. giganteus, A. fumigatus |
| Sterigmatocystin | A. versicolor, A. nidulans |
| Tremorgens | A. clavatus, A. flavus, A. candidum |
| Cytochalasins | A. clavatus |
| Citrinin | A. terreus, A. niveus, A. candidum |