Aflatoxins are toxins produced by fungi as their secondary metabolites. This has been classified as a class I carcinogen and different countries have different standards. More than five billion people in developing countries around the world are at risk of chronic exposure to aflatoxins by consuming contaminated foods (Mukherjee 2013). Hepatocellular carcinoma is the leading aflatoxin-associated disease and the third leading cause of liver cancer worldwide with 550,000-600,000 new cases per year. Aflatoxins are toxic polyketides that can be found in the 25% of the crop estimated to be contaminated with fungi each year. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Acute Exposure: Acute aflatoxicosis is linked to very high doses of aflatoxins and is characterized by hemorrhage, acute liver injury, edema, and death in humans. These conditions have increased due to less access to food, poor environmental conditions and the lack of a strong regulatory system. A good example to cite is the case of an epidemic that occurred in Kenya in 1982 due to consumption of home grown maize in which 12 people died and in 2004 317 people fell ill and 125 people died in the central provinces. Chronic Exposure: Due to exposure to high and moderate concentrations of aflatoxicosis could lead to acute primary aflatoxicosis. Symptoms are hemorrhage, acute liver damage, edema, digestive problems and death. Chronic exposure to aflatoxin-contaminated foods can lead to cancer, and nutritional deficiencies lead to morbidity and mortality. Aflatoxins are also mutagenic and alter or mutate the genetic code, altering DNA leading to chromosomal breaks, rearrangements, loss or gain of chromosomes, or changes within a gene. Since they are carcinogenic, teratogenic and mutagenic in nature, preventing and detoxifying these compounds is a real challenge. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Aflatoxins being lipolytic in nature are easily absorbed through cell membranes through the site of exposure such as the gastrointestinal and respiratory tract and reach the bloodstream and liver. It is metabolized in the liver. The effect of aflatoxins on human organs or systems: Pathological changes: enlargement of the liver, kidneys and spleen, fatty liver syndrome. Urinary system: inflammation of the kidneys which can lead to kidney failure. Digestive system: decreased digestion and absorption of proteins and fats, impaired carbohydrate degradation, decreased motility, diarrhea, colon cancer. Nervous system: Abnormal behavior, depression. Reproductive system: Reduced sperm count and infertility. Neonatal outcomes: low birth weight. Growth: Aflatoxin reduces the growth rate. Gene and gene expression: teratogenic effect (congenital defect). Gene and genetic suppression: carcinogenic effect: increased incidence of cancer. Immunosuppression: decreased resistance and susceptibility to HIV, tuberculosis. and other opportunistic infections.