Abstract
Sierra Leone has a high mycotoxin contamination rate; however, data on the transplacental transfer of aflatoxins and ochratoxins are lacking. A high-performance liquid chromatographic examination of 64 cord blood and eight maternal blood samples, obtained during delivery, revealed the presence of aflatoxins in 91% and 75% respectively. Ochratoxin A was also detected in 25% and 13% of cord and maternal blood samples respectively. Sierra Leone also has a high infant mortality rate. Therefore, the possible implication of these mycotoxins is discussed.