Influence of Aflatoxin on the phagocytic capacity of neutrophils and mo

Aflatoxin is a mycotoxin that can be present in various foods and is a source of poisoning for humans and animals. Patients with aflatoxin poisoning have a worrying degree of morbidity and mortality. However, little is known about its effects on the human body and how immunopathological processes are triggered. As phagocytosis is a very important mechanism, it is necessary to understand the possibility of it causing immunodepression in the individual. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of aflatoxin on the phagocytic capacity of human neutrophils and monocytes by counting the number of monocytes and neutrophils involved in phagocytosis, the average number of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeasts phagocytosed and/or adhered and the phagocytic index and superoxide production. The results showed a negative modulation of phagocytosis, both due to a reduction in the yeasts ingested/adhered and the lower number of cells involved.