Project

Efficacy Assessment of Bio-Control Preventive Actions in Maize to Reduce Human Mycotoxin Exposure in Tanzania

Code
01W01421
Duration
01 October 2021 → 30 September 2026
Funding
Regional and community funding: Special Research Fund
Research disciplines
  • Medical and health sciences
    • Environmental health and safety
    • Spectrometry
    • Mycology
Keywords
exposure assessment bio-control mycotoxins biomonitoring
 
Project description

The use of atoxigenic Aspergillus species to reduce aflatoxins in maize, based on competitive exclusion of toxigenic fungi, is a promising bio-control strategy. However, no research has been executed on the secondary metabolic repertoire of these so-called atoxigenic Aspergillus species and potential favourable production of fumonisins by Fusarium species. Furthermore, the direct comparison of mycotoxins treated with bio-control and non-treated maize has never been performed. Therefore, through a case-control study in 10 Tanzanian villages, the risk in humans will be assessed through multi-mycotoxin biomarker analysis in urine and plasma.