Abstract
Background: Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by toxigenic fungi that pose a persistent threat to global public health and food security. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and ochratoxin A (OTA) are particularly notorious for their detrimental health impacts, including hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. However, epidemiological data regarding their baseline exposure levels in asymptomatic populations, particularly in Iraq, remain limited. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and serum concentrations of AFB1 and OTA among healthy adult volunteers in Baghdad Province and evaluate the community’s baseline exposure to these mycotoxins in relation to demographic variables. Methodology: A cross-sectional biomonitoring study was conducted involving 96 healthy adult volunteers (40 males and 56 females; aged 15-40 years) residing in Baghdad Province. Peripheral venous blood samples were collected, and serum was isolated. The concentrations of OTA and AFB1 were quantified using commercially available Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) kits. Results: Biomonitoring revealed a remarkably high prevalence of mycotoxin exposure in the study population. OTA was detected in nearly 100% of the serum samples, with no significant difference between the sexes, whereas AFB1 was detected in 42% of participants. Both OTA and AFB1 levels were significantly higher in the younger age group (≤ 24 years) than in those > 24 years (p = 0.006 and p = 0.009, respectively). Furthermore, OTA exhibited a significant negative correlation with age in females, whereas AFB1 showed a significant positive correlation with age in individuals aged > 24 years. Conclusion: The near-universal detection of OTA and the substantial prevalence of AFB1 in the serum of asymptomatic individuals elucidate the hidden burden of mycotoxin exposure in Baghdad Province. These findings underscore the urgent need for continuous population-level biomonitoring and implementation of stringent food safety policies to mitigate the cumulative nephrotoxic and hepatocarcinogenic risks associated with chronic dietary exposure.