Aflatoxins in the livers of children with kwashiorkor

Abstract

SUMMARY Autopsy liver specimens from Nigeria and South Africa obtained from three kwashiorkors, three marasmic-kwashiorkors and one marasmic child were analysed for the presence of aflatoxins using both high performance liquid chromatography and thin layer chromatography. Significant levels of aflatoxin B₁ were found in the livers of the three kwashiorkor children. Aflatoxicol was detected in the liver of one marasmic-kwashiorkor and a small quantity of aflatoxin M₁ in the liver of another. No aflatoxins were found in the livers of the third marasmic-kwashiorkor or the marasmic child. These findings extend recent clinical observations that indicate an association between aflatoxins and kwashiorkor.