Background: Aflatoxins are harmful mycotoxins. Among the various types
of aflatoxins, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is the predominant form with the most
toxic effect. AFB1 is produced by Aspergillus, which usually contaminates a
wide range of agricultural products, such as grain, nuts, or spices. The
problem of aflatoxin contamination of the food products is a common
problem in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, especially in the
developing countries where the environmental conditions of warm
temperatures and humidity favor the growth of fungi. AFB1 is known to
interfere with embryonic development. Aim of the work is to evaluate the effect of AFB1 on pregnant mice and their offspring. Methods: 40 pregnant female mice were divided into groups and fed fodder contaminated with 5, 10 and 20 μg AFB1 / kg of fodder. Administration started ten days before mating and continued during the whole period of pregnancy. Treated mothers and offspring were morphologically examined and weighed daily. Results: The treated mothers showed body weight loss, in utero embryo resorption, reduced pregnancy percentage (90.9% and 83.3%), and low number of embryos per mother (3.53, 5.18 & 5.42 compared to 8.23 in controls). Mortality percentage increased (3.77, 5.26 & 16.92 compared to 2% in control). Neonatal infants exhibited insignificant reduction in body weight and altered morphometric measurements including crown rump and head circumference, ear pinna, tail length fore and hind limb lengths, which were significantly reduced. 21 postnatal day-old infant restored normal body weight. Exposed mothers showed aggressive agonistic behavior and cannibalism. Conclusion: AFB1 has a negative impact on embryonic development, altered and reduced infant morphological parameters. 21 postnatal day-old infant restoration of normal weight might be attributed to early disappearance of AFB1 from mothers’ milk. AFB1 induced cognitive neurotoxicity leading to aggression. Further studies are recommended.