Risk assessment for human embryonic development of triclabendazole residues in milk and cheese in the diet of a rural population in Cajamarca (Peru): A preliminary approach

Abstract

Triclabendazole (TCBZ) is a veterinary drug used against Fasciola hepatica in cattle. The Cajamarca Valley in Peru is an endemic area of fascioliasis with a high infection rate in animals producing milk for human consumption. The administration of TCBZ during the lactating period can lead to TCBZ derivative residues in milk and cheese entering the human food chain. Milk-derivatives from treated animals have been found positive for TCBZ metabolites. One of these metabolites, triclabendazole sulfoxide (TCBZSO), is embryolethal during early developmental stages in vitro in mouse and zebrafish. In this study, we have calculated the estimated daily intake (EDI) of TCBZSO due to milk and cheese consumption among a rural population in Cajamarca in order to evaluate the associated risk for human embryonic development. Although the expected maximum plasma concentration of TCBZSO after a worst-case scenario simulation would be below the reported lowest observed adverse effect concentration (LOAEC) for embryolethality in vitro (10 μM), several limitations on the available information for exposure, bioavailability and interspecies differences still impede the accomplishment of an accurate risk assessment.