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Breast milk from 113 mothers in two 'Under-Five Clinics' in the Southern Province of Sierra Leone, namely, Njala and Bo, were examined for their mycotoxin content. Only 10 were mycotoxin-free. Eighty-eight per cent of samples contained various aflatoxins and 35% contained ochratoxin A (OTA). Few samples (15%) had a single mycotoxin. Thirty-six (32%) had two mycotoxins and 50 (40%) had three or more. The occurrence of OTA in combination with various aflatoxins was recorded. It is concluded that infants in Sierra Leone are exposed to OTA and aflatoxins at levels which in some cases far exceed those permissible in animal feed in developed countries.

Analysis of 64 cord blood samples from pregnant women in Sierra Leone revealed the presence of ochratoxin A (OTA) and aflatoxins in 25% and 58% of samples, respectively. Of the eight maternal blood samples collected during delivery, one contained OTA and aflatoxins were detected in six. There was no relationship between mycotoxins in maternal and cord blood. The effect these toxins might have had on the birthweight of infants is discussed.

Examination of 20 samples of smoke-dried fish of the Ethmolosa sp. commonly called "Bonga", from homes and markets in Njala (Sierra Leone) revealed the presence of 4 Aspergilli species: A. flavus Links ex Fries, A. ochraceus Wilhelm, A. tamarii Kita and A. niger van Tieghem. Fresh or properly preserved smoke-dried fish showed no signs of fungal contamination. Mouldy fish extracts contained varying amounts of aflatoxins B1, G1, G2 and ochratoxin A. Isolates of A. flavus grown on yeast extract sucrose (YES) medium, produced considerable amounts of aflatoxin B1 and G1 and trace amounts of G2. On YES medium A. ochraceus produced large amounts of ochratoxin A but no penicillic acid.

'Ogiri' (fermented sesame seeds) was prepared in the laboratory and at home by selected participants. No fungal participation was observed during the normal fermentation process. However, fungal contamination was observed when improper handling techniques were employed. Out of the 49 samples examined, 41 fungal isolates were made. Aspergillus spp were the dominant group irrespective of the locality. Toxigenic Aspergillus included A. flavus Link ex Fries, A. tamarii Kita and A. ochraceus Wilhelm. P. citrinum Thom was the only toxigenicc Penicillium isolated. The role of the different types of wraps used for the fermentation, marketing and storage of the product was also determined.

Sesame seeds (Sesamum indicum L) from four different geographic locations in Sierra Leone were sampled for their mycoflora. Three toxigenic Aspergillus species: A. flavus Link ex Fries, A. ochraceus Wilhelm, and A. tamarii Kita were common to all samples. Penicillium citrinum Thom and two Fusarium sp. were found in samples from two localities. The mycotoxins aflatoxin B1 and G1, ochratoxin A and B, and citrinin were positively identified.