Human aflatoxin exposure in Kenya, 2007: a cross-sectional study
Ellen E Yard1, Johnni H Daniel, Lauren S Lewis
1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Environmental Health, Chamblee, GA, USA. eyard@cdc.gov
Summary
Aflatoxin exposure is widespread in Kenya, affecting 78% of the population. This significant public health issue, linked to liver damage, necessitates urgent, evidence-based interventions across all provinces.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Toxicology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Aflatoxins pose a global threat, contaminating food and causing severe health issues like liver failure and cancer.
- Kenya has faced recurrent, fatal aflatoxicosis outbreaks, yet the national exposure extent remained unquantified.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify aflatoxin exposure across Kenya using a nationally representative dataset.
- To identify demographic, socioeconomic, and geographic factors associated with aflatoxin exposure.
Main Methods:
- Serum specimens from the 2007 Kenya AIDS Indicator Survey (KAIS) were analyzed.
- Aflatoxin B1-lysine adducts were quantified using isotope dilution MS/MS and normalized to serum albumin.
- 600 specimens were randomly selected from HIV-negative individuals, stratified by province and sex.
Main Results:
- Serum aflatoxin B1-lysine was detected in 78% of specimens, with a median of 1.78 pg/mg albumin.
- Exposure levels did not significantly differ by sex, age, marital status, religion, or socioeconomic status.
- Aflatoxin exposure varied significantly by province, highest in Eastern and Coast, and lowest in Nyanza and Rift Valley.
Conclusions:
- Aflatoxin exposure is a pervasive public health concern throughout Kenya.
- Provincial variations in exposure highlight the need for targeted interventions.
- Urgent, evidence-based strategies are required to mitigate aflatoxin exposure and its health impacts.
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