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. 2023 Jun;23(2):81-87.
doi: 10.4314/ahs.v23i2.9.

Aflatoxin exposure in a population of HIV patients at risk of hepatocellular carcinoma North-Central, Nigeria

Pantong Davwar  1 , Paul David  1 , Lucius Imoh  1 , Mary Duguru  1 , Kefas Zawaya  2 , Yop Tsok  1 , Atiene Sagay  1 , Edith Okeke  1
Affiliations

Aflatoxin exposure in a population of HIV patients at risk of hepatocellular carcinoma North-Central, Nigeria

Pantong Davwar et al. Afr Health Sci. 2023 Jun.

Abstract

Background: Aflatoxin B1causes damage to the DNA by the alkylation of bases and P53 mutation. Exposure to this mycotoxin is associated with the development of liver cancer. Measures to reduce grain and cereal contamination have been a focus however, the effects of these measures are still lagging behind and exposure continues to occur even in populations at risk of developing liver cancer.

Objective: To quantify aflatoxin B1 exposure in a population of HIV infected patients with and without HCC.

Method: This was a cross-sectional study among 196 patients with HIV and or HCC. We evaluated the exposure to aflatoxin B1 using the Aflatoxin M1 metabolite by ELISA on urine samples.

Results: A total of 196 participants consisting of 163 (83.2%) HIV positive and 28 (14.3%) HCC. Mean age is 46.64±10.8 years. The median aflatoxin (IQR) aflatoxin M1level is 177.3(112.5-272) pg/ml. Only 8(4.1%) of the participant had no exposure to aflatoxin B1. The median (IQR) aflatoxin for fibrosis score ≥ 13kpa (178.7(112.9-286.8) pg/ml) VS < 13kpa (173.5(107.9-250.4)), p = 0.046.

Conclusion: There is high prevalence of aflatoxin B1 exposure in this population. Concerted efforts must be put in place to mitigate exposure because of the potential effects of short- and long-term exposure to aflatoxin.

Keywords: Aflatoxin B1; HIV; Liver Cell Carcinoma.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Showing a box plot comparing the mean AFM1 and also shows the mean and IQR
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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