Alterations in the gut microflora balance of neonatal wister rats induced with aflatoxin M1 in milk

Aflatoxin M1 is a metabolite of the most potent aflatoxin, (AFB1) and thus, has been treated and rendered not so toxic, on this basis, its study has been taken for granted. It is the aim of this study to ascertain the toxic nature of AFM1 by determining its effects on microbial flora in the gut of neonatal rats. A dosing experiment was conducted on the neonates, where they were divided into groups and treated with different concentrations of AFM1 using uncontaminated milk as a carrier medium into the rats. The rats were sacrificed; the small and large intestine were harvested and cultured on appropriate selective media for growth of microorganisms. Results show samples from the control group had an uninterrupted microbial community, while the treated group, with increasing doses of AFM1 decreases and depletes the microflora in the gut samples. Lactic acid bacteria were also significantly depleted by AFM1. These findings suggest the capability AFM1 in modifying the gut microbiota in a dose-dependent manner which might result in serious health hazards in neonates.