Aflatoxin and encephalopathy with fatty degeneration of viscera (Reye)

In the past 5 years we have observed 27 children at the age from 3 days to 8 years who died on the encephalic syndrome with fatty degeneration of the viscera (Reye). According to the morphological changes in the liver and to the clinical course, we have divided our cases into 3 groups. In the first group there were 20 children who died within 2-10 days after the first symptoms of the disease appeared. In their liver diffuse fatty degeneration was found. In the second group there were 3 children who died within 1-2 months after the acute onset of the disease. In their liver fibrosis with bile duct proliferation and steatosis were found. In the third group there were 4 children who died within 2-4 months after the first symptoms. Their liver showed cirrhosis. The bacteriological and virological investigations in all cases were negative, but in the most of them direct contacts with viral infections were proved. In the liver specimens of the children in all 3 groups the presence of aflatoxin B1 chromatographically and spectrophotometrically was found. The source of the intoxication in 5 cases was aflatoxin contaminated milk food. Our observations of 2 - 3 - days old newborns with the morphological changes similar to that of Reye's syndrome seems to support our hypothesis about the possibility of the intrauterine intoxication. We suggest that aflatoxin represents an important factor in the etiology of this syndrome and a high risk for human health.