A 4-year study of the mycological aspects of Kashin-Beck disease in Tibet

In order to clarify the association between mycotoxin-producing fungi in fo od and Kashin-Beck disease (KBD), we examined the occurrence and contaminat ion levels of fungi in samples of barley grain, from KBD-affected families and from unaffected families in endemic areas. A control area without the o ccurrence of KBD served as reference. The first results obtained in 1995 sh owed that total mesophilic fungal contamination of barley grain was consist ently higher in families with KBD. Trichothecium roseum (Pers) Link ex gray , Dreschlera Ito and Alternaria Nees ex Fr. were the three most common fung i significantly associated with KBD. In 1996 we again observed a significan t difference between affected and non-affected families, especially with Tr ichothecium roseum and Ulocladium Preuss. On this basis, measures to preven t KBD were suggested and a preventive program has been set up since 1998 in 20 new villages.