Abstract
Introduction: Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by toxigenic fungi that pose a persistent threat to global public health and food security. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and ochratoxin A (OTA) are particularly notorious for their detrimental health impacts, including hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and serum concentrations of AFB1 and OTA among healthy adult volunteers in Baghdad Province and evaluate the community’s baseline exposure to these mycotoxins in relation to demographic variables.
Methods: A cross-sectional biomonitoring study was conducted involving 96 healthy adult volunteers (40 males and 56 females; aged 15-40 years) residing in Baghdad Province. Peripheral venous blood samples were collected, and serum was isolated.
Results: Biomonitoring revealed a remarkably high prevalence of mycotoxin exposure in the study population. OTA was detected in nearly 100% of serum samples, with no significant sex differences, whereas AFB1 was detected in 42% of participants. Both OTA and AFB1 levels were significantly higher in the younger age group (≤ 24 years) than in those > 24 years (P = 0.006 and P = 0.009, respectively). Furthermore, OTA exhibited a significant negative correlation with age in females, whereas AFB1 showed a significant positive correlation with age in individuals aged > 24 years.
Conclusion: The widespread detection of OTA and the particularly high levels of AFB1 in serum are important for understanding the hidden impact of mycotoxin exposure in individuals from Baghdad Province. The findings highlight the urgent need for ongoing population-based biomonitoring and stringent food safety policies to address the risk associated with chronic dietary exposure contributing to cumulative renal toxicity and liver carcinogenesis.