Aflatoxin contamination of grains has been a major cause of agricultural loss in the tropics and
the health implications of ingestion of such grains are of great public health concern. The
murine sperm head abnormality test (SHAT) and mouse bone marrow micronucleus test were
used to evaluate the genotoxicity of dietary aflatoxins (78 ppb). Five groups of mice were
exposed to the aflatoxin-contaminated feed for 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 days. Positive
(Cyclophosphamide, 20mg/kgbw) and negative (uncontaminated feed) controls were set up
simultaneously. The result showed that dietary aflatoxin is genotoxic and mutagenic. The SHAT
result suggested a duration-dependent statistically significant (p<0.05) increase in abnormal
sperm cells compared with the negative control. At all tested durations, there was durationdependent
statistically significant (p<0.05) induction of micronucleated erythrocytes. This study
is relevant in Africa and other parts of the world where grains constitute the major food for the
populace, therefore, the need for community enlightenment and intervention.
