Aflatoxin Exposure: Reason for Concern?

What are aflatoxins? Let's consult Wikipedia for a thorough commentary on the topic. "Aflatoxins are naturally occurring mycotoxins that are produced by many species of Aspergillus, a fungus." They are toxic and "among the most carcinogenic substances known."

Alright, my fingers are out of my ears. You had me at carcinogenic. Enlighten me, Wikipedia. Where are these fungus friends found? Or more to the point, how in the world do I avoid them?

"Aflatoxin-producing members of Aspergillus are common and widespread in nature." It appears they can contaminate grains before harvest or during storage and naturally reside in soil and decaying plants. It can, however, invade all types of organic matter when conditions are ideal for its growth, ie moist and warm.

As it relates to food, aflatoxins tend to contaminate some foods more than others. Peanuts, as I mentioned earlier, are a biggy. Peanuts tend to provide favorable conditions for aflatoxin production both during growth and storage (Interestingly, Valencia peanuts seem to be the one variety resistant to mold growth.). Other foods/products include cooking oils, cassava, corn, cotton seed, millet, rice, sunflower seeds, tree nuts, sorghum, wheat and various spices. Aflatoxin-related compounds have even been found in the products of animals who fed on contaminated grains (think eggs, milk, meat).

But rest assured folks. It isn't all doom and gloom. We have the FDA, right? Our protector of the food supply surely has knocked this vile microbe out of the food supply. Well, sorta. Like most things harmful to our natural body processes, the FDA has set maximum levels for ingestion. Basically, we can't reasonably eliminate it without major economic consequences, but we can keep it to a minimum. Not exactly reassuring, but OK. The thing is you can still eat a considerable amount of aflatoxin-laden foods if you aren't eating a varied diet or simply, by some cruel coincidence, happen to love a wide variety of foods that support aflatoxin production exceedingly well.

This then begs the question, what exactly does happen with aflatoxin ingestion? Wiki wiki, what say you?

"High level aflatoxin exposure produces an acute hepatic necrosis, resulting later in cirrhosis, and/or carcinoma of the liver." So in other words, it's possible your liver will slowly stop working and die. Or get cancer. Maybe both. Seriously?

The good news? "Adult humans have a high tolerance for aflatoxin exposure and rarely succumb to acute aflatoxicosis." Succumb? You mean die? Well that's good, but still, I'd prefer to avoid exposure altogether if possible and avoid that gray area between sick and succumb.

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Newcastle Disease or Ranikhet Disease (RD)

Newcastle disease or Ranikhet disease (RD) is the most common, the most widely prevalent, and economically the most important viral disease of poultry. It is a very severe, sudden, and rapidly spreading disease; and may be seen from 6th to 7th day onward up to 72 weeks. It occurs throughout the year, but is most common in the summer.

Cause

A virus called paramyxovirus. These viruses are of different types. Some are highly powerful and cause most severe form of the disease, others are moderate, while a certain group is only mildly harmful. In addition, there are some viruses that cause infection without showing any symptoms.

Spread

1. Virus spreads through the air.

2. Infection occurs mainly through inhalation or ingestion.

3. Contaminated feed and water spread infection.

4. Movements of people and equipment also spread infection.

5. Away from the bird, that is, in the shed, virus survives for days to weeks. However, in the dead bird or faeces, virus survives for several months.

Symptoms

Depending on the disease-producing power of the virus, symptoms vary.

1. With very harmful viruses, first indication is sudden death. Then, symptoms such as depression, weakness, lying down, green diarrhoea, swelling of the face, and nervous signs may appear, ending in exhaustion and death. Other signs include twisting of the neck, paralysis of legs and arched position of the body.

Mortality may occur up to 100% in chicks. In layers, early symptom is shell-less or soft-shelled eggs, followed by complete stoppage of laying.

2. Moderately harmful viruses usually cause severe respiratory disease and respiratory symptoms. In adult birds there is marked drop in egg production for several months. Mortality is low.

3. Mildly harmful viruses may cause no disease, or only a mild respiratory distress.

Postmortem Findings

1. Pinpoint haemorrhages on the tips of glands in the proventriculus.

2. Enlarged and haemorrhagic caecal tonsils.

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Exciting Medical Innovations Coming Soon

The field of medical research is one area that has seen remarkable growth and innovation. We have made great leaps in learning about genetics, diseases, and other areas that have resulted in remarkable inventions to help treat and cure severe medical conditions. It is an area where the possibilities of what we can accomplish are endless.

Below are a few of the exciting medical innovations that are coming soon:

1. Medical Gas to Pharmaceutical Product: Gas Therapeutics is being tested for its quality, safety, and effectiveness in a therapeutic environment. Gas enabled medical developments will provide important gains in diagnostic, preventative, and therapeutic procedures.

2. New Vaccines for Avian Flu: A modern vaccine that uses an imitation adaptation of the bird virus called a virus-like particle (VLP) is being developed and may provide an improved response in protecting people against avian virus infection. VLPs attach to cells thus prompting a natural immune response that is sufficient enough to protect one from exposure to the avian virus.

3. Combination Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Prototype Machine: MRI tests can establish the existence and structure of tumors. The PET scan shows what is taking place within the cancer and the blood vessels surrounding it. Doctors get better data from this imaging technology than from doing the two tests separately

4. Circulating Tumor Cell Technology: A new technology will allow oncologists to measure circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in a blood sample. CTCs are cancer cells that have broken away from an existing tumor cell and are found in circulating blood. The detection of CTCs is an important discovery which may help forecast a patient's prognosis.

5. Warm Organ Perfusion Device: A better system for the transport of a variety of living organs is being developed. After harvesting an organ, donor blood is circulated through the heart-lung pump to the living organ. The donor blood is heated and oxygenated, and the organ is transplanted in a pre-oxygenated state. This warm organ perfusion device will significantly increase the transplant time period.

6. Laparo Endoscopic Single-site Surgery (LESS): This is laparoscopic surgery performed through a single incision in a patient's navel. LESS may reduce complications that may take place after open or laparoscopic abdominal surgery. The patient's pain levels are considerably diminished and the recovery period is reduced.

7. Diaphragm Pacing System: This system has the potential to help patients unable to maintain adequate ventilation due to a diaphragmatic malfunction. Diaphragmatic pacing is performed using a collection of electrodes connected to the phrenic nerves on the diaphragm. This innovative technology will drastically reduce the catastrophic effects of extended respiratory pump failure and mechanical ventilation.

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