Determination of Zearalenone in Urine Samples from Guatemala: A Pilot Assessment

*Co-first authorsAbstract:Zearalenone (ZEA), one of the most prevalent estrogenic mycotoxins, contaminates crops, including maize, rice, and wheat. Previous studies have found high levels of mycotoxins, particularly fumonisin B1 (FB1) and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in maize from Guatemala. In addition, our group has reported high levels of serum aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in this population. However, exposure to ZEA has not been examined in Guatemala. Thus, this pilot study assessed the presence of ZEA in urine samples from Guatemala City and vicinity (n=50). In addition, correlation between ZEA and AFB1was examined as well as correlations with maize and tortilla consumption. Ten of the 50 samples had detectable levels of ZEA, with a median level of 2.0 pg/uL. No correlations were found with AFB1 levels, nor with maize or tortilla consumption. This is the first report on the presence of ZEA in urine samples from Guatemala. These results suggest that further research on ZEA in Guatemala is warranted.