Vol. 9, Issue 5, Part C (2024)

Author(s): Sakthi Priya Muthusamy

Abstract: Aflatoxins produced by the pathogenic fungi Aspergillus species in the food crops at the field before harvest or after harvest and during storage. Consumption of toxins contaminated food causes severe consequences in humans and animals. Even a low concentration is highly hazardous. The associated symptoms produced due to the intake of toxins are gene mutation leading to cancer, teratogenicity, suppression of the immune system and damage to the liver with reduction in synthesis. The other major signs include loss of appetite, reduction in growth rate, lethargic, anemia, icteric condition and mortality. Diagnosis is usually done with detection of clinical signs, lesions of the liver and by detection of aflatoxins in the contaminated feed material or milk under laboratory. Treatment protocol usually suggests for the replacement of the aflatoxin contaminated feed with a good quality diet containing appropriate level of nutrients like protein, vitamins, and trace minerals. No specific antidote is available. Though many treatments protocols are available, each method has got its own merits and demerits. Thus, it necessitates proper diagnosis and prevention of contamination in feed. As World Health organization recommends to go for alternative medicine involving plant based products to overcome the adverse effects of synthetic chemicals, numerous studies are already on pipeline investigation to mitigate the effect of aflatoxins. The current review provides insight about the fungal ecology, production of aflatoxin, mechanism of action, incidences in humans and animals, diagnosis and prevention of aflatoxicosis to ensure proper management and eventually safeguard food security.