Unexpected aflatoxin exposure in a woman in northern Italy: a case report.
BACKGROUND
In well-developed countries scant attention is currently devoted to the risk of unknown exposure to aflatoxins, highly toxic and carcinogenic compounds. Nevertheless, unexpected ingestion of foods contaminated by these toxins can occasionally occur virtually worldwide.


METHODS
A 38-year-old woman living in Northern Italy developed unexplained abdominal symptoms after ingestion of aflatoxin-contaminated meat. The possible relation between symptoms and aflatoxins ingestion, the potential risk of hepatocellular carcinoma and the medical management of the case are discussed.


CONCLUSIONS
In well-developed countries aflatoxins exposure should be considered in case of unexplained abdominal symptoms. Cancer risk cannot be assessed, nevertheless individual counselling and periodical medical examinations are recommended.
Perduri
Riccardo
R
Department of Public Health Sciences, Postgraduate School of Occupational Medicine, Chair of Occupational Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy. perduri.riccardo@gmail.com
Gobba
Stefania
S