Corn/Maize drying in Nepal-extensive damage to kernals
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Notes:
Mouldy maize (6-12ug/kg) was implicated for an outbreak of intoxication with aflatoxin in India in 200 villages in 1974. 397 patients were intoxicated and 106 deaths were reported. Symptoms included fever, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, hepatomegaly, ascites and ankle oedema. No infants were affected.
Patient diagnosed with Stage C Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia, treated in the MRC CLL4 study, with prednisolone for 4 weeks followed by oral chlorambucil for 7 days. Patient developed severe pneumonia due to pseudomonas and staphylococcus. Following treatment with broad spectrum antibiotics and 1 week of Abelcet, patient was readmitted with headache, disorientation and fever. CT brain scans showed 3 ring enhancing lesions, aspirated material showed neutrophils but grew aspergillus. Patient now improved on Abelcet (4 mg/kg) and oral itrconazole suspension 200mg b.d.
Thanks to Richard Chasty, Consultant Haematologist, North Staffordsire Hospital, UK.