Septic Angina (Alimentary-Toxic Aleukia) in the Kuibyshev Region during the Great Patriotic War (To the 80th anniversary of the Victory)

Relevance. Septic angina (alimentary-toxic aleukia) is a disease that has been in the USSR since the 1930s, during the Great Patriotic War, following the consumption of grain contaminated with Fusarium [1]. However, Fusarium grain is a worldwide disease, affecting the agricultural products and crop quality [2]. This work has historical and scientific interest, as the historical lessons neglect lead to the diseases recurrence and the previously relevant issues resurgence.
The aim of the study is to analyze the incidence of alimentary-toxic aleukia in the Kuibyshev region during the Great Patriotic War.
Materials and methods. The work was carried out in the SamSMU Department of Infectious Diseases with Epidemiology. The alimentary-toxic aleukia incidence in the Kuibyshev region during the Great Patriotic War was characterized.
Results. Cases of human and animal disease after consuming grain infected with Fusarium were reported in the USSR in the 1930s and 1940s in several regions. The disease was known as "septic angina". The incidence of the disease increased during the Great Patriotic War. In the Kuibyshev region, the disease cases were first reported in 1942. In 1944 the situation was particularly severe. The patients had consumed cereals contaminated with Fusar fungi and their toxins. Since 1950 no cases of alimentary-toxic aleukia have been reported in the USSR.
Conclusions Septic angina (alimentarytoxic aleukia) was widespread in many regions of our country since the 1930s, especially during the Great Patriotic War. In famine times it was difficult to combat the disease, as it was caused by the consumption of poor-quality bread products from last year's grain. The causative agent was identified after the Great Patriotic War: the patients had consumed grains contaminated with Fusarium fungal toxins. Since 1950 no cases of alimentary-toxic aleukia have been reported in the USSR. However, in the modern world, the problem of Fusarium contamination of grain crops and mycotoxin contamination remains important [3,4,5]. It is necessary to take measures to reduce their harmfulness and prevent potential diseases in humans, taking into account our country's unique experience in the fight of alimentary-toxic aleukia.

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