Cyanotoxins - New health risk factor in Serbia

Abstract

Cyanobacteria are responsible for poisoning numerous cases of livestock and other animals, but sometimes they induce serious problems in humans. Mass occurrence and blooms of cyanobacteria were studied in rivers, canals, lakes, and accumulations that had been examined in Serbia during period 1980-2002. Because of massive blooming of cyanobacteria, when they produce cyanotoxins, which could be responsible for poisoning, and damage of organs, studies are steered to better understanding cyanotoxins effects on human health. The investigation on microcystins, as one of many cyanotoxins, is increasing due to the related ecological and public health risks. There is evidence that microcystins have a tumor promoting activity and microcystin-LR could be tumor initiator and possibly cancerogenic to humans. Epidemiological studies have suggested that there is connection between primary liver cancer (PLC) and microcystins, as one of risk factor for high incidence rate of PLC in Serbia. © 2008, Oncology Institute of Vojvodina, Sremska Kamenica.