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Ortega-Beltran A, Aikore MOS, Kaptoge L, Agbetiameh D, Moral J, Bandyopadhyay R. Impact of storage conditions on the shelf life of aflatoxin biocontrol products containing atoxigenic isolates of Aspergillus flavus as active ingredient applied in various countries in Africa. CABI AGRICULTURE AND BIOSCIENCE 2024; 5:78. [PMID: 39267987 PMCID: PMC11387433 DOI: 10.1186/s43170-024-00283-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 08/17/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024]
Abstract
Aflatoxin contamination significantly threatens food safety and security, particularly in tropical and sub-tropical regions where staple crops such as maize, groundnut, and sorghum become frequently affected. This contamination is primarily caused by the fungus Aspergillus flavus. The contamination causes adverse health effects, reduced income, and trade restrictions. In response to this challenge, various technologies have been developed to mitigate the impacts of aflatoxin. Among these, biocontrol products containing atoxigenic isolates of A. flavus as the active ingredient can effectively reduce aflatoxin levels both at pre- and post-harvest. A notable example of such products is Aflasafe, which contains four atoxigenic isolates native to specific target regions. These products have undergone rigorous testing, have received regulatory approval, and are commercially available in multiple African countries. However, their manufacturing processes have evolved, and comprehensive shelf life studies for current formulations are lacking. Evaluations of the spore production ability of atoxigenic A. flavus isolates in Aflasafe products over 4 years, under various storage conditions, revealed a significant linear decrease in sporulation with storage months (P < 0.001; R 2 = 0.203), with no significant differences observed between treatments. However, this marginal decline (P = 0.398) is unlikely to be sufficient to prevent the effectiveness in limiting aflatoxin. In addition, storing the products for 2 weeks at 54 °C did not affect (P > 0.05) the ability of the coated fungi to produce spores compared to when the products were stored at 24 °C. The findings contribute valuable insights for manufacturers and users of atoxigenic-based aflatoxin biocontrol products, informing best practices for product storage and utilization to ensure prolonged effectivenes in aflatoxin mitigation efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lawrence Kaptoge
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Daniel Agbetiameh
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Juan Moral
- Departamento de Agronomía, Universidad de Córdoba, Maria de Maeztu Unit of Excelente, Córdoba, Spain
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Rasheed U, Cotty PJ, Ain QU, Wang Y, Liu B. Efficacy of atoxigenic Aspergillus flavus from southern China as biocontrol agents against aflatoxin contamination in corn and peanuts. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 201:105887. [PMID: 38685218 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2024.105887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Aspergillus flavus is a ubiquitous facultative pathogen that routinely infects important crops leading to formation of aflatoxins during crop development and after harvest. Corn and peanuts in warm and/or drought-prone regions are highly susceptible to aflatoxin contamination. Controlling aflatoxin using atoxigenic A. flavus is a widely adopted strategy. However, no A. flavus genotypes are currently approved for use in China. The current study aimed to select atoxigenic A. flavus endemic to Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region with potential as active ingredients of aflatoxin biocontrol products. A total of 204 A. flavus isolates from corn, peanuts, and field soil were evaluated for ability to produce the targeted mycotoxins. Overall, 57.3% could not produce aflatoxins while 17.15% were incapable of producing both aflatoxins and CPA. Atoxigenic germplasm endemic to Guangxi was highly diverse, yielding 8 different gene deletion patterns in the aflatoxin and CPA biosynthesis gene clusters ranging from no deletion to deletion of both clusters. Inoculation of corn and peanuts with both an aflatoxin producer and selected atoxigenic genotypes showed significant reduction (74 to 99%) in aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) formation compared with inoculation with the aflatoxin producer alone. Atoxigenic genotypes also efficiently degraded AFB1 (61%). Furthermore, atoxigenic isolates were also highly efficient at reducing aflatoxin concentrations even when present at lower concentrations than aflatoxin producers. The use of multiple atoxigenics was not always as effective as the use of a single atoxigenic. Effective atoxigenic genotypes of A. flavus with known mechanisms of atoxigenicity are demonstrated to be endemic to Southern China. These A. flavus may be utilized as active ingredients of biocontrol products without concern for detrimental impacts that may result from introduction of exotic fungi. Field efficacy trials in the agroecosystems of Southern China are needed to determine the extent to which such products may allow the production of safer food and feed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Usman Rasheed
- Institute of Applied Microbiology, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Guangxi Key Laboratory for Agro-Environment and Agro-Product Safety, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Peter J Cotty
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Qurat Ul Ain
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Petrochemical Resource Processing and Process Intensification Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - YiFan Wang
- Institute of Applied Microbiology, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Guangxi Key Laboratory for Agro-Environment and Agro-Product Safety, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Bin Liu
- Institute of Applied Microbiology, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Guangxi Key Laboratory for Agro-Environment and Agro-Product Safety, Nanning 530004, China.
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Chang PK. Creating large chromosomal segment deletions in Aspergillus flavus by a dual CRISPR/Cas9 system: Deletion of gene clusters for production of aflatoxin, cyclopiazonic acid, and ustiloxin B. Fungal Genet Biol 2024; 170:103863. [PMID: 38154756 DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2023.103863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Aspergillus flavus produces hepatocarcinogenic aflatoxin that adversely impacts human and animal health and international trade. A promising means to manage preharvest aflatoxin contamination of crops is biological control, which employs non-aflatoxigenic A. flavus isolates possessing defective aflatoxin gene clusters to outcompete field toxigenic populations. However, these isolates often produce other toxic metabolites. The CRISPR/Cas9 technology has greatly advanced genome editing and gene functional studies. Its use in deleting large chromosomal segments of filamentous fungi is rarely reported. A system of dual CRISPR/Cas9 combined with a 60-nucleotide donor DNA that allowed removal of A. flavus gene clusters involved in production of harmful specialized metabolites was established. It efficiently deleted a 102-kb segment containing both aflatoxin and cyclopiazonic acid gene clusters from toxigenic A. flavus morphotypes, L-type and S-type. It further deleted the 27-kb ustiloxin B gene cluster of a resulting L-type mutant. Overall efficiencies of deletion ranged from 66.6 % to 85.6 % and efficiencies of deletions repaired by a single copy of donor DNA ranged from 50.5 % to 72.7 %. To determine the capacity of this technique, a pigment-screening setup based on absence of aspergillic acid gene cluster was devised. Chromosomal segments of 201 kb and 301 kb were deleted with efficiencies of 57.7 % to 69.2 %, respectively. This system used natural A. flavus isolates as recipients, eliminated a forced-recycling step to produce recipients for next round deletion, and generated maker-free deletants with sequences predefined by donor DNA. The research provides a method for creating genuine atoxigenic biocontrol strains friendly for field trial release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Perng-Kuang Chang
- Southern Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, U. S. Department of Agriculture, 1100 Allen Toussaint Boulevard, New Orleans, LA 70124, United States.
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Mesterhazy A. Food Safety Aspects of Breeding Maize to Multi-Resistance against the Major (Fusarium graminearum, F. verticillioides, Aspergillus flavus) and Minor Toxigenic Fungi ( Fusarium spp.) as Well as to Toxin Accumulation, Trends, and Solutions-A Review. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:40. [PMID: 38248949 PMCID: PMC10817526 DOI: 10.3390/jof10010040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Maize is the crop which is most commonly exposed to toxigenic fungi that produce many toxins that are harmful to humans and animals alike. Preharvest grain yield loss, preharvest toxin contamination (at harvest), and storage loss are estimated to be between 220 and 265 million metric tons. In the past ten years, the preharvest mycotoxin damage was stable or increased mainly in aflatoxin and fumonisins. The presence of multiple toxins is characteristic. The few breeding programs concentrate on one of the three main toxigenic fungi. About 90% of the experiments except AFB1 rarely test toxin contamination. As disease resistance and resistance to toxin contamination often differ in regard to F. graminearum, F. verticillioides, and A. flavus and their toxins, it is not possible to make a food safety evaluation according to symptom severity alone. The inheritance of the resistance is polygenic, often mixed with epistatic and additive effects, but only a minor part of their phenotypic variation can be explained. All tests are made by a single inoculum (pure isolate or mixture). Genotype ranking differs between isolates and according to aggressiveness level; therefore, the reliability of such resistance data is often problematic. Silk channel inoculation often causes lower ear rot severity than we find in kernel resistance tests. These explain the slow progress and raise skepticism towards resistance breeding. On the other hand, during genetic research, several effective putative resistance genes were identified, and some overlapped with known QTLs. QTLs were identified as securing specific or general resistance to different toxicogenic species. Hybrids were identified with good disease and toxin resistance to the three toxigenic species. Resistance and toxin differences were often tenfold or higher, allowing for the introduction of the resistance and resistance to toxin accumulation tests in the variety testing and the evaluation of the food safety risks of the hybrids within 2-3 years. Beyond this, resistance breeding programs and genetic investigations (QTL-analyses, GWAM tests, etc.) can be improved. All other research may use it with success, where artificial inoculation is necessary. The multi-toxin data reveal more toxins than we can treat now. Their control is not solved. As limits for nonregulated toxins can be introduced, or the existing regulations can be made to be stricter, the research should start. We should mention that a higher resistance to F. verticillioides and A. flavus can be very useful to balance the detrimental effect of hotter and dryer seasons on aflatoxin and fumonisin contamination. This is a new aspect to secure food and feed safety under otherwise damaging climatic conditions. The more resistant hybrids are to the three main agents, the more likely we are to reduce the toxin losses mentioned by about 50% or higher.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akos Mesterhazy
- Cereal Research Non-Profit Ltd., Alsokikotosor 9, 6726 Szeged, Hungary
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Chang J, Luo H, Li L, Zhang J, Harvey J, Zhao Y, Zhang G, Liu Y. Mycotoxin risk management in maize gluten meal. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2023; 64:7687-7706. [PMID: 36995226 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2023.2190412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Maize gluten meal (MGM) is a by-product of maize starch and ethanol, produced by the wet milling process. Its high protein content makes it a preferred ingredient in feed. Given the high prevalence of mycotoxins in maize globally, they pose a significant challenge to use of MGM for feed: wet milling could concentrate certain mycotoxins in gluten components, and mycotoxin consumption affects animal health and can contaminate animal-source foods. To help confront this issue, this paper summarizes mycotoxin occurrence in maize, distribution during MGM production and mycotoxin risk management strategies for MGM through a comprehensive literature review. Available data emphasize the importance of mycotoxin control in MGM and the necessity of a systematic control approach, which includes: good agriculture practices (GAP) in the context of climate change, degradation of mycotoxin during MGM processing with SO2 and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and the prospect of removing or detoxifying mycotoxins using emerging technologies. In the absence of mycotoxin contamination, MGM represents a safe and economically critical component of global animal feed. With a holistic risk assessment-based, seed-to-MGM-feed systematic approach to reducing and decontaminating mycotoxins in maize, costs and negative health impacts associated with MGM use in feed can be effectively reduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinghua Chang
- Mars Global Food Safety Center, Mars Inc, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Luo
- Mars Global Food Safety Center, Mars Inc, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Li
- Mars Global Food Safety Center, Mars Inc, Beijing, China
| | - Junnan Zhang
- Mars Global Food Safety Center, Mars Inc, Beijing, China
| | - Jagger Harvey
- Department of Plant Pathology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
| | - Yueju Zhao
- Mars Global Food Safety Center, Mars Inc, Beijing, China
| | - Guangtao Zhang
- Mars Global Food Safety Center, Mars Inc, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Liu
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, China
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Wenndt A, Mutua F, Grace D, Thomas LF, Lambertini E. Quantitative assessment of aflatoxin exposure and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk associated with consumption of select Nigerian staple foods. FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS 2023. [DOI: 10.3389/fsufs.2023.1128540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Aflatoxin contamination of staple grains and legumes has been linked to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and other adverse health outcomes, constituting a substantial public health concern globally. Low-resource food environments in sub-Saharan Africa are often under-regulated and are particularly vulnerable to adverse health and nutrition outcomes associated with aflatoxin exposure. This study identifies levels of HCC risk in the northern Nigerian adult population, leveraging a systematic review of available evidence on aflatoxin contamination in Nigerian maize, groundnut, rice, cowpea, and soybean. Estimated dietary intake (EDI) was computed using publicly available dietary consumption data and a probabilistic quantitative risk assessment was conducted to determine the relative risk of HCC associated with consumption of selected aflatoxin-contaminated commodities. In total, 41 eligible studies reporting aflatoxin contamination were used to model the distribution of aflatoxin concentrations in Nigerian commodities. EDIs for maize, groundnut, rice, and cowpea exceeded the provisional maximum tolerable daily intake (PMTDI) level of 1 kgbw-1 day-1, with maize yielding the highest mean EDI (36.7 kgbw-1 day-1). The quantitative risk assessment estimated that 1.77, 0.44, 0.43, 0.15, and 0.01 HCC cases per year/100,000 population were attributable to aflatoxin exposure through maize, groundnut, rice, cowpea, and soybean, respectively. Sensitivity analysis revealed that aflatoxin concentration, dietary consumption levels, consumption frequency, and other variables have differing relative contributions to HCC risk across commodities. These findings constitute a novel multi-study risk assessment approach in the Nigerian context and substantiate existing evidence suggesting that there is reason for public health concern regarding aflatoxin exposure in the Nigerian population.
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Ortega-Beltran A, Bandyopadhyay R. Aflatoxin biocontrol in practice requires a multidisciplinary, long-term approach. FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS 2023. [DOI: 10.3389/fsufs.2023.1110964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the most elusive food safety problems is the contamination of staple crops with the highly carcinogenic aflatoxins produced by Aspergillus section Flavi fungi. Governments, farmers, institutions, consumers, and companies demand aflatoxin solutions. Many aflatoxin management technologies exist, but their real-life use and effectiveness is determined by diverse factors. Biocontrol products based on atoxigenic isolates of A. flavus can effectively reduce aflatoxins from field to fork. However, development, testing, and registration of this technology is a laborious process. Further, several barriers prevent the sustainable use of biocontrol products. There are challenges to have the products accepted, to make them available at scale and develop mechanisms for farmers to buy them, to have the products correctly used, to demonstrate their value, and to link farmers to buyers of aflatoxin-safe crops. Developing an effective aflatoxin management technology is the first, major step. The second one, perhaps more complicated and unfortunately seldomly discussed, is to develop mechanisms to have it used at scale, sustainably, and converged with other complementary technologies. Here, challenges and actions to scale the aflatoxin biocontrol technology in several countries in sub-Saharan Africa are described with a view to facilitating aflatoxin management efforts in Africa and beyond.
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Atehnkeng J, Ojiambo PS, Ortega-Beltran A, Augusto J, Cotty PJ, Bandyopadhyay R. Impact of frequency of application on the long-term efficacy of the biocontrol product Aflasafe in reducing aflatoxin contamination in maize. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1049013. [PMID: 36504767 PMCID: PMC9732863 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1049013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Aflatoxins, produced by several Aspergillus section Flavi species in various crops, are a significant public health risk and a barrier to trade and development. In sub-Saharan Africa, maize and groundnut are particularly vulnerable to aflatoxin contamination. Aflasafe, a registered aflatoxin biocontrol product, utilizes atoxigenic A. flavus genotypes native to Nigeria to displace aflatoxin producers and mitigate aflatoxin contamination. Aflasafe was evaluated in farmers' fields for 3 years, under various regimens, to quantify carry-over of the biocontrol active ingredient genotypes. Nine maize fields were each treated either continuously for 3 years, the first two successive years, in year 1 and year 3, or once during the first year. For each treated field, a nearby untreated field was monitored. Aflatoxins were quantified in grain at harvest and after simulated poor storage. Biocontrol efficacy and frequencies of the active ingredient genotypes decreased in the absence of annual treatment. Maize treated consecutively for 2 or 3 years had significantly (p < 0.05) less aflatoxin (92% less) in grain at harvest than untreated maize. Maize grain from treated fields subjected to simulated poor storage had significantly less (p < 0.05) aflatoxin than grain from untreated fields, regardless of application regimen. Active ingredients occurred at higher frequencies in soil and grain from treated fields than from untreated fields. The incidence of active ingredients recovered in soil was significantly correlated (r = 0.898; p < 0.001) with the incidence of active ingredients in grain, which in turn was also significantly correlated (r = -0.621, p = 0.02) with aflatoxin concentration. Although there were carry-over effects, caution should be taken when drawing recommendations about discontinuing biocontrol use. Cost-benefit analyses of single season and carry-over influences are needed to optimize use by communities of smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Atehnkeng
- Pathology and Mycotoxin, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Peter S. Ojiambo
- Pathology and Mycotoxin, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Nigeria,Center for Integrated Fungal Research, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Alejandro Ortega-Beltran
- Pathology and Mycotoxin, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Joao Augusto
- Pathology and Mycotoxin, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Peter J. Cotty
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China,Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Ranajit Bandyopadhyay
- Pathology and Mycotoxin, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Nigeria,*Correspondence: Ranajit Bandyopadhyay,
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Mesterhazy A, Szieberth D, Tóth ET, Nagy Z, Szabó B, Herczig B, Bors I, Tóth B. The Role of Preharvest Natural Infection and Toxin Contamination in Food and Feed Safety in Maize, South-East Hungary, 2014-2021. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:1104. [PMID: 36294669 PMCID: PMC9605659 DOI: 10.3390/jof8101104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycotoxins originating in the preharvest period represent a less studied research problem, even though they are of the utmost practical significance in maize production, determining marketability (within EU limits), and storage ability, competitiveness, and profit rate. In this study, 18-23 commercial hybrids were tested between 2014 and 2021. Natural infection from Fusarium spp. was higher than 1.5%, and for Aspergillus spp. this was normally 0.01% or 0, much lower than would be considered as severe infection. In spite of this, many hybrids provided far higher toxin contamination than regulations allow. The maximum preharvest aflatoxin B1 was in 2020 (at 2286 μg/kg), and, in several cases, the value was higher than 1000 μg/kg. The hybrid differences were large. In Hungary, the presence of field-originated aflatoxin B1 was continuous, with three AFB1 epidemics in the 8 years. The highest DON contamination was in 2014 (at 27 mg/kg), and a detectable DON level was found in every hybrid. FUMB1+B2 were the highest in 2014 (at 45.78 mg/kg). At these low infection levels, correlations between visual symptoms and toxin contaminations were mostly non-significant, so it is not feasible to draw a conclusion about toxin contamination from ear rot coverage alone. The toxin contamination of hybrids for a percentage of visual infection is highly variable, and only toxin data can decide about food safety. Hybrids with no visual symptoms and high AFB1 contamination were also identified. Preharvest control, including breeding and variety registration, is therefore of the utmost importance to all three pathogens. Even natural ear rot and toxin data do not prove differences in resistance, so a high ear rot or toxin contamination level should be considered as a risk factor for hybrids. The toxin control of freshly harvested grain is vital for separating healthy and contaminated lots. In addition, proper growing and storage conditions must be ensured to protect the feed safety of the grain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akos Mesterhazy
- Cereal Research Non-Profit Ltd., Fesu Street 1, 6701 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Denes Szieberth
- Hungarian Maize Club, Kazinczy Str. 12, 8152 Kőszárhegy, Hungary
| | - Eva Toldine Tóth
- Cereal Research Non-Profit Ltd., Fesu Street 1, 6701 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Zoltan Nagy
- Cereal Research Non-Profit Ltd., Fesu Street 1, 6701 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Balazs Szabó
- Cereal Research Non-Profit Ltd., Fesu Street 1, 6701 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Beata Herczig
- Bonafarm-Babolna Feed Ltd., Laboratory Branch, 2942 Nagyigmand, Hungary
| | - Istvan Bors
- Bonafarm-Babolna Feed Ltd., Laboratory Branch, 2942 Nagyigmand, Hungary
| | - Beata Tóth
- Cereal Research Non-Profit Ltd., Fesu Street 1, 6701 Szeged, Hungary
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Falade TDO, Neya A, Bonkoungou S, Dagno K, Basso A, Senghor AL, Atehnkeng J, Ortega-Beltran A, Bandyopadhyay R. Aflatoxin Contamination of Maize, Groundnut, and Sorghum Grown in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger and Aflatoxin Exposure Assessment. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:700. [PMID: 36287969 PMCID: PMC9611981 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14100700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Aflatoxin contamination of staple crops by Aspergillus flavus and closely related fungi is common across the Sahel region of Africa. Aflatoxins in maize, groundnut, and sorghum collected at harvest or from farmers' stores within two weeks of harvest from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger were quantified. Thereafter, aflatoxin exposure values were assessed using per capita consumption rates of those crops. Mean aflatoxin concentrations in maize were high, 128, 517, and 659 µg/kg in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, respectively. The estimated probable daily intake (PDI) of aflatoxins from maize ranged from 6 to 69, 29 to 432, and 310 to 2100 ng/kg bw/day in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, respectively. Similarly, mean aflatoxin concentrations in sorghum were high, 76 and 259 µg/kg in Mali and Niger, respectively, with an estimated PDI of 2-133 and 706-2221. For groundnut, mean aflatoxin concentrations were 115, 277, and 628 µg/kg in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, respectively. Aflatoxin exposure values were high with an estimated 9, 28, and 126 liver cancer cases/100,000 persons/year in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, respectively. Several samples were extremely unsafe, exceeding manyfold regulatory levels of diverse countries (up to 2000 times more). Urgent attention is needed across the Sahel for integrated aflatoxin management for public health protection, food and nutrition security, and access to trade opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adama Neya
- Institut de l’Environnement et de Recherches Agricoles, Ouagadougou BP 8645, Burkina Faso
| | - Saïdou Bonkoungou
- Institut de l’Environnement et de Recherches Agricoles, Ouagadougou BP 8645, Burkina Faso
| | - Karim Dagno
- Institut d’Économie Rurale, Bamako BP 258, Mali
| | - Adamou Basso
- Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique du Niger, Niamey P.O. Box 429, Niger
| | | | - Joseph Atehnkeng
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Bukavu P.O. Box 1222, Democratic Republic of the Congo
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Ola OT, Ogedengbe OO, Raji TM, Eze B, Chama M, Ilori ON, Awofisayo MA, Kaptoge L, Bandyopadhyay R, Ortega-Beltran A, Ndarubu AA. Aflatoxin biocontrol effectiveness in the real world—Private sector-led efforts to manage aflatoxins in Nigeria through biocontrol-centered strategies. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:977789. [PMID: 36118233 PMCID: PMC9478371 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.977789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aflatoxins are toxic compounds produced by several Aspergillus species that contaminate various crops. The impact of aflatoxin on the health of humans and livestock is a concern across the globe. Income, trade, and development sectors are affected as well. There are several technologies to prevent aflatoxin contamination but there are difficulties in having farmers use them. In Nigeria, an aflatoxin biocontrol product containing atoxigenic isolates of A. flavus has been registered with regulatory authorities and is now being produced at scale by the private company Harvestfield Industries Limited (HIL). The current study reports results of biocontrol effectiveness trials in maize conducted by HIL during 2020 in several locations across Nigeria and compared to untreated maize from nearby locations. Also, maize was collected from open markets to assess levels of contamination. All treated maize met tolerance thresholds (i.e., <4 ppb total aflatoxin). In contrast, most maize from untreated fields had a higher risk of aflatoxin contamination, with some areas averaging 38.5 ppb total aflatoxin. Maize from open markets had aflatoxin above tolerance thresholds with even an average of up to 90.3 ppb. Results from the trials were presented in a National Workshop attended by key officers of Government agencies, farmer organizations, the private sector, NGOs, and donors. Overall, we report (i) efforts spearheaded by the private sector to have aflatoxin management strategies used at scale in Nigeria, and (ii) deliberations of key stakeholders to ensure the safety of crops produced in Nigeria for the benefit of farmers, consumers, and industries.
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Affiliation(s)
- O. T. Ola
- Harvestfield Industries Limited, Lagos, Nigeria
| | | | - T. M. Raji
- Harvestfield Industries Limited, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - B. Eze
- Harvestfield Industries Limited, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - M. Chama
- Harvestfield Industries Limited, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - O. N. Ilori
- Harvestfield Industries Limited, Lagos, Nigeria
| | | | - L. Kaptoge
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - R. Bandyopadhyay
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | | | - A. A. Ndarubu
- Harvestfield Industries Limited, Lagos, Nigeria
- *Correspondence: A. A. Ndarubu,
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Mahuku G, Mauro A, Pallangyo B, Nsami E, Boni S, Koyano E, Mponda O, Ortega-Beltran A, Atehnkeng J, Aquiline F, Samuel R, Njela J, Cotty P, Bandyopadhyay R. Atoxigenic-based technology for biocontrol of aflatoxin in maize and groundnuts for Tanzania. WORLD MYCOTOXIN J 2022. [DOI: 10.3920/wmj2021.2758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Application of biocontrol products containing atoxigenic isolates of Aspergillus flavus to reduce aflatoxin content in crops is an effective strategy for managing aflatoxin in several regions throughout the world. We report the development and validation of two aflatoxin biocontrol products, Aflasafe TZ01 and Aflasafe TZ02, for use in maize and groundnut in Tanzania, a country frequently affected by aflatoxin contamination. Each product contains four atoxigenic A. flavus genotypes native and widely distributed in Tanzania. Efficacy tests on maize and groundnut were conducted over two years and in four regions of Tanzania where aflatoxin contamination is prevalent. Application of both products significantly (P<0.05) reduced aflatoxin levels in maize and groundnut in both years and in all districts. No differences were observed in total Aspergillus section Flavi population in treated and untreated fields, revealing that application of the biocontrol products do not alter overall Aspergillus populations in the environment. The results indicate that both products are effective tools for aflatoxin mitigation in groundnut and maize. The products were officially registered in 2018. Currently, there are scale-out and-up efforts of aflatoxin biocontrol products in Tanzania through a private sector company that is making the products available to farmers. Protecting maize and groundnut from aflatoxin contamination in Tanzania can result in health, income, and trade benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- G. Mahuku
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Eastern Africa Hub, Plot 25, Mwenge Coca-Cola Road, Mikocheni B, P.O. Box 34441, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - A. Mauro
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Eastern Africa Hub, Plot 25, Mwenge Coca-Cola Road, Mikocheni B, P.O. Box 34441, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - B. Pallangyo
- Plant Health Services, Ministry of Agriculture, P.O. Box 2182, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - E. Nsami
- National Biological Control Center, P.O. Box 30031, Kibaha, Tanzania
| | - S.B. Boni
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Eastern Africa Hub, Plot 25, Mwenge Coca-Cola Road, Mikocheni B, P.O. Box 34441, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- World Vegetable Center, Eastern and Southern Africa, P.O. Box 10, Duluti, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - E. Koyano
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Eastern Africa Hub, Plot 25, Mwenge Coca-Cola Road, Mikocheni B, P.O. Box 34441, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - O. Mponda
- Department of Research, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, P.O. Box 9192, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - A. Ortega-Beltran
- IITA Headquarters, PMB 5320, Oyo Road, Ibadan 200001, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - J. Atehnkeng
- IITA Headquarters, PMB 5320, Oyo Road, Ibadan 200001, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - F. Aquiline
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Eastern Africa Hub, Plot 25, Mwenge Coca-Cola Road, Mikocheni B, P.O. Box 34441, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - R. Samuel
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Eastern Africa Hub, Plot 25, Mwenge Coca-Cola Road, Mikocheni B, P.O. Box 34441, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - J. Njela
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Eastern Africa Hub, Plot 25, Mwenge Coca-Cola Road, Mikocheni B, P.O. Box 34441, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - P.J. Cotty
- USDA-ARS, 416 West Congress Street, Tucson, AZ 85701, USA
| | - R. Bandyopadhyay
- IITA Headquarters, PMB 5320, Oyo Road, Ibadan 200001, Oyo State, Nigeria
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13
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The Status Quo of Criminal Responsibility for Aflatoxin Pollution in China: From the Perspective of Judgment Analysis. CONTRAST MEDIA & MOLECULAR IMAGING 2022; 2022:8212370. [PMID: 36003998 PMCID: PMC9385277 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8212370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
With the development of the economy, the food safety problems caused by aflatoxin have become increasingly prominent. With regard to the control of aflatoxin pollution, the Chinese government has promulgated a series of legal documents on food safety related to aflatoxin pollution, such as the formulation of industry standards for allowable limits of aflatoxin and various penalties for violators. Although these measures have achieved good results to some extent, there are still many legal problems. This study reviews the current situation of aflatoxin pollution control in food in China. The court judgment documents related to aflatoxin pollution from January 1st 2014 to January 1st 2020 are investigated to analyze the accountability status of aflatoxin pollution treatment in China. Furthermore, this study mainly cross verified the above problems by means of the literature survey and an organization interview and proposed solutions on the basis of in-depth analysis of their causes. Finally, some suggestions are put forward to solve the problem of aflatoxin pollution accountability in China.
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Dietary Exposure to Aflatoxins in Some Randomly Selected Foods and Cancer Risk Estimations of Cereals Consumed on a Ghanaian Market. J FOOD QUALITY 2022. [DOI: 10.1155/2022/5770836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aflatoxins have gained so much reputation among all mycotoxins due to their notoriety in causing countless adverse health effects on humans as well as animals. It continues to be a major concern in food safety globally. In this study, total and constitutive aflatoxins levels as well as the carcinogenic risks posed by 110 food and feed samples (55 cereals, 20 nuts and oils, 18 animal feed, and 18 fruits and vegetables) collected from the Ho Central market in the Volta region, Ghana, were assessed. Using high-performance liquid chromatography connected to a fluorescent detector (HPLC-FLD), levels of total aflatoxins (AFtotal) and aflatoxins constituents, namely, AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, and AFG2, were analyzed. By using the model prescribed by Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), the risks posed by the food and feed samples were determined. The degrees of toxicity were in the ranges of 0.78–234.73 μg/kg, 0.47–21.6 μg/kg, 1.01–13.75 μg/kg, and 0.66–5.51 μg/kg, respectively, for AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, and AFG2. Out of the samples analyzed for AFtotal, about 51 (46.4%) exceeded the limits of GSA and were in the range 10.63 ± 1.20–236.28 ± 4.2 μg/kg. While for EFSA, 71 (64.54%) exceeded and ranged between 4.72 ± 0.28 and 236.28 ± 4.2 μg/kg. Furthermore, estimated daily intake (EDI) of 27.10–283.70 ng/kg·bw/day, margin of exposure (MOE) of 1.409–14.76, average potency of 0–0.00396 ng aflatoxins/kg·bw/day, and cancer risks with a range of 0.107–1.122 cases/100,000 person/yr were observed. Taken together, it could be concluded that consuming cereals pose adverse effects on human health regardless of the age of the consumer.
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Hercules SM, Liu X, Bassey-Archibong BBI, Skeete DHA, Smith Connell S, Daramola A, Banjo AA, Ebughe G, Agan T, Ekanem IO, Udosen J, Obiorah C, Ojule AC, Misauno MA, Dauda AM, Egbujo EC, Hercules JC, Ansari A, Brain I, MacColl C, Xu Y, Jin Y, Chang S, Carpten JD, Bédard A, Pond GR, Blenman KRM, Manojlovic Z, Daniel JM. Analysis of the genomic landscapes of Barbadian and Nigerian women with triple negative breast cancer. Cancer Causes Control 2022; 33:831-841. [PMID: 35384527 PMCID: PMC9085672 DOI: 10.1007/s10552-022-01574-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive breast cancer subtype that disproportionately affects women of African ancestry (WAA) and is often associated with poor survival. Although there is a high prevalence of TNBC across West Africa and in women of the African diaspora, there has been no comprehensive genomics study to investigate the mutational profile of ancestrally related women across the Caribbean and West Africa. METHODS This multisite cross-sectional study used 31 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples from Barbadian and Nigerian TNBC participants. High-resolution whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed on the Barbadian and Nigerian TNBC samples to identify their mutational profiles and comparisons were made to African American, European American and Asian American sequencing data obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Whole exome sequencing was conducted on tumors with an average of 382 × coverage and 4335 × coverage for pooled germline non-tumor samples. RESULTS Variants detected at high frequency in our WAA cohorts were found in the following genes NBPF12, PLIN4, TP53 and BRCA1. In the TCGA TNBC cases, these genes had a lower mutation rate, except for TP53 (32% in our cohort; 63% in TCGA-African American; 67% in TCGA-European American; 63% in TCGA-Asian). For all altered genes, there were no differences in frequency of mutations between WAA TNBC groups including the TCGA-African American cohort. For copy number variants, high frequency alterations were observed in PIK3CA, TP53, FGFR2 and HIF1AN genes. CONCLUSION This study provides novel insights into the underlying genomic alterations in WAA TNBC samples and shines light on the importance of inclusion of under-represented populations in cancer genomics and biomarker studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawn M. Hercules
- grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada
- African Caribbean Cancer Consortium, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Xiyu Liu
- grid.42505.360000 0001 2156 6853Department of Translational Genomics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | | | - Desiree H. A. Skeete
- African Caribbean Cancer Consortium, Philadelphia, PA USA
- grid.412886.10000 0004 0592 769XFaculty of Medical Sciences, University of the West Indies at Cave Hill, Bridgetown, Barbados
- grid.415521.60000 0004 0570 5165Department of Pathology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Bridgetown, Barbados
| | - Suzanne Smith Connell
- grid.412886.10000 0004 0592 769XFaculty of Medical Sciences, University of the West Indies at Cave Hill, Bridgetown, Barbados
- grid.415521.60000 0004 0570 5165Department of Radiation Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Bridgetown, Barbados
- Present Address: Cancer Specialists Inc, Bridgetown, Barbados
| | - Adetola Daramola
- grid.411283.d0000 0000 8668 7085Department of Anatomic and Molecular Pathology, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Adekunbiola A. Banjo
- grid.411283.d0000 0000 8668 7085Department of Anatomic and Molecular Pathology, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Godwin Ebughe
- grid.413097.80000 0001 0291 6387Department of Pathology, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria
| | - Thomas Agan
- grid.413097.80000 0001 0291 6387Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria
| | - Ima-Obong Ekanem
- grid.413097.80000 0001 0291 6387Department of Pathology, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria
| | - Joe Udosen
- grid.413097.80000 0001 0291 6387Division of General and Breast Surgery, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria
| | - Christopher Obiorah
- grid.412738.bDepartment of Anatomical Pathology, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
| | - Aaron C. Ojule
- grid.412738.bDepartment of Chemical Pathology, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
| | - Michael A. Misauno
- grid.411946.f0000 0004 1783 4052Department of Surgery, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Nigeria
| | - Ayuba M. Dauda
- grid.411946.f0000 0004 1783 4052Department of Pathology, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Nigeria
| | | | - Jevon C. Hercules
- grid.12916.3d0000 0001 2322 4996Department of Mathematics, University of the West Indies at Mona, Kingston, Jamaica
- grid.12955.3a0000 0001 2264 7233Present Address: Wang Yanan Institute for Studies in Economics, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Amna Ansari
- grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada
| | - Ian Brain
- grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada
| | - Christine MacColl
- grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada
| | - Yili Xu
- grid.42505.360000 0001 2156 6853Department of Translational Genomics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Yuxin Jin
- grid.42505.360000 0001 2156 6853Department of Translational Genomics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Sharon Chang
- grid.42505.360000 0001 2156 6853Department of Translational Genomics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - John D. Carpten
- grid.42505.360000 0001 2156 6853Department of Translational Genomics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - André Bédard
- grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada
| | - Greg R. Pond
- grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada
- grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Department of Oncology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada
| | - Kim R. M. Blenman
- grid.433818.5Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Medical Oncology, Yale Cancer Center, School of Medicine, New Haven, CT USA
- grid.47100.320000000419368710Department of Computer Science, School of Engineering and Applied Science, Yale University, New Haven, CT USA
| | - Zarko Manojlovic
- grid.42505.360000 0001 2156 6853Department of Translational Genomics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Juliet M. Daniel
- grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada
- African Caribbean Cancer Consortium, Philadelphia, PA USA
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Aspergillus flavus La3279, a component strain of the Aflasafe™ biocontrol product, contains a partial aflatoxin biosynthesis gene cluster followed by a genomic region highly variable among A. flavus isolates. Int J Food Microbiol 2022; 366:109559. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2022.109559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Sserumaga JP, Wagacha JM, Biruma M, Mutegi CK. Contamination of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) with Aspergillus section Flavi communities and aflatoxin at the post-harvest stage. Food Control 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2021.108150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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18
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Matumba L, Namaumbo S, Ngoma T, Meleke N, De Boevre M, Logrieco AF, De Saeger S. Five keys to prevention and control of mycotoxins in grains: A proposal. GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gfs.2021.100562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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19
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Ortega-Beltran A, Bandyopadhyay R. Contributions of integrated aflatoxin management strategies to achieve the sustainable development goals in various African countries. GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gfs.2021.100559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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Habibi A, Afzali D. Aspergillus Section Flavi from Four Agricultural Products and Association of Mycotoxin and Sclerotia Production with Isolation Source. Curr Microbiol 2021; 78:3674-3685. [PMID: 34398304 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-021-02620-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Many agricultural products are susceptible to contamination by aflatoxin-producing species from Aspergillus section Flavi. The objectives of this study were to determine the occurrence of Aspergillus section Flavi in four agricultural products, such as pistachio, walnut, hazelnut, and dried fruits, collected from market and retail shops in various areas of Kerman County and obtain information on the relationships between isolation source and ability to produce sclerotia and potential for aflatoxin production. Aspergillus species were identified based on morphological characteristics as well as subsequent sequencing of the parts of the β-tubulin and calmodulin genes. From 207 isolated strains, the following species were identified: A. flavus, A. tamarii A. nomius, A. parasiticus, A. arachidicola, A. caelatus, A. pseudotamarii, and A. leporis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of A. pseudotamarii and A. arachidicola with the potential to produce aflatoxins from dried apricots and hazelnuts, respectively. Sclerotial type was significantly different between isolates from different isolation sources. From 192 tested isolates, 38% were aflatoxin producer from which 5% were scored as strong aflatoxin producers and 33% as average aflatoxin producers. A significant difference in the population of aflatoxin-producing strains across the isolation sources was observed which may reflect host adaptation and thereby different vulnerabilities to aflatoxin-producing species among the examined products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azadeh Habibi
- Department of Biodiversity, Institute of Science and High Technology and Environmental Sciences, Graduate University of Advanced Technology, Kerman, Iran.
| | - Daryoush Afzali
- Department of Environment, Institute of Science and High Technology and Environmental Sciences, Graduate University of Advanced Technology, Kerman, Iran
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Ortega-Beltran A, Agbetiameh D, Atehnkeng J, Falade TDO, Bandyopadhyay R. Does Use of Atoxigenic Biocontrol Products to Mitigate Aflatoxin in Maize Increase Fumonisin Content in Grains? PLANT DISEASE 2021; 105:2196-2201. [PMID: 33210967 DOI: 10.1094/pdis-07-20-1447-re] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In the tropics and subtropics, maize (Zea mays) and other crops are frequently contaminated with aflatoxins by Aspergillus flavus. Treatment of crops with atoxigenic isolates of A. flavus formulated into biocontrol products can significantly reduce aflatoxin contamination. Treated crops contain up to 100% fewer aflatoxins compared with untreated crops. However, there is the notion that protecting crops from aflatoxin contamination may result in increased accumulation of other toxins, particularly fumonisins produced by a few Fusarium species. The objective of this study was to determine if treatment of maize with aflatoxin biocontrol products increased fumonisin concentration and fumonisin-producing fungi in grains. Over 200 maize samples from fields treated with atoxigenic biocontrol products in Nigeria and Ghana were examined for fumonisin content and contrasted with maize from untreated fields. Apart from low aflatoxin levels, most treated maize also harbored fumonisin levels considered safe by the European Union (<1 part per million; ppm). Most untreated maize also harbored equally low fumonisin levels but contained higher aflatoxin levels. In addition, during one year, we detected considerably lower Fusarium spp. densities in treated maize than in untreated maize. Our results do not support the hypothesis that treating crops with atoxigenic isolates of A. flavus used in biocontrol formulations results in higher grain fumonisin levels.[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2021 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY 4.0 International license.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel Agbetiameh
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan 200001, Nigeria
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- Department of Agro Enterprise Development, Faculty of Applied Science and Technology, Ho Technical University, Ho, Ghana
| | - Joseph Atehnkeng
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Bukavu, D. R. Congo
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Bio-competitive exclusion: efficacy of non-aflatoxigenic Aspergillus section Flavi-L morphotypes in control of aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus in groundnuts (Arachis hypogaea L.). BENI-SUEF UNIVERSITY JOURNAL OF BASIC AND APPLIED SCIENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.1186/s43088-021-00129-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The biological control mechanism of Aspergillus flavus (aflatoxigenic) strains in groundnuts with atoxigenic strains from the same species through competitive exclusion employed the use of endemic and well-adapted strains within the agro-ecological zones of Zimbabwe. The selected elite non-aflatoxigenic isolates of A. flavus native to Zimbabwe were evaluated for their capability to reduce aflatoxin contamination in groundnuts under laboratory conditions.
Results
Average reduction percentages in aflatoxin B concentration for the 2019 and 2020 set of experiments ranged from 91.6 ± 3.4 to 95.8 ± 3.1% and 90.29 ± 3.6% to 95.29 ± 4.1%, respectively. Levels of aflatoxin in the co-inoculation research experiments administered were significantly reduced in all the experimental units carried out. Treatment efficiencies of the tested isolates in this study at 4:1 and 2:1 ranged from 1.20 to 2.52 and from 1.02 to 1.21, respectively. The efficacy of the tested non-aflatoxigenic strains against the aflatoxigenic strain native to Zimbabwe (ZMW 0127) indicates that the non-aflatoxigenic isolates of A. flavus. have sound practical applications against vast communities of aflatoxin-producing fungi across all the agro-ecological zones in Zimbabwe.
Conclusion
The recognized non-aflatoxigenic isolates will be of an incentive as dynamic active ingredients in biocontrol formulations for the decrease in aflatoxins in groundnuts grown in Zimbabwe.
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Pickova D, Ostry V, Toman J, Malir F. Aflatoxins: History, Significant Milestones, Recent Data on Their Toxicity and Ways to Mitigation. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:399. [PMID: 34205163 PMCID: PMC8227755 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13060399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In the early 1960s the discovery of aflatoxins began when a total of 100,000 turkey poults died by hitherto unknown turkey "X" disease in England. The disease was associated with Brazilian groundnut meal affected by Aspergillus flavus. The toxin was named Aspergillus flavus toxin-aflatoxin. From the point of view of agriculture, aflatoxins show the utmost importance. Until now, a total of 20 aflatoxins have been described, with B1, B2, G1, and G2 aflatoxins being the most significant. Contamination by aflatoxins is a global health problem. Aflatoxins pose acutely toxic, teratogenic, immunosuppressive, carcinogenic, and teratogenic effects. Besides food insecurity and human health, aflatoxins affect humanity at different levels, such as social, economical, and political. Great emphasis is placed on aflatoxin mitigation using biocontrol methods. Thus, this review is focused on aflatoxins in terms of historical development, the principal milestones of aflatoxin research, and recent data on their toxicity and different ways of mitigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darina Pickova
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Rokitanskeho 62, CZ-50003 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic; (V.O.); (J.T.); (F.M.)
| | - Vladimir Ostry
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Rokitanskeho 62, CZ-50003 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic; (V.O.); (J.T.); (F.M.)
- Center for Health, Nutrition and Food in Brno, National Institute of Public Health in Prague, Palackeho 3a, CZ-61242 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jakub Toman
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Rokitanskeho 62, CZ-50003 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic; (V.O.); (J.T.); (F.M.)
| | - Frantisek Malir
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Rokitanskeho 62, CZ-50003 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic; (V.O.); (J.T.); (F.M.)
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Senghor AL, Ortega-Beltran A, Atehnkeng J, Jarju P, Cotty PJ, Bandyopadhyay R. Aflasafe SN01 is the First Biocontrol Product Approved for Aflatoxin Mitigation in Two Nations, Senegal and The Gambia. PLANT DISEASE 2021; 105:1461-1473. [PMID: 33332161 DOI: 10.1094/pdis-09-20-1899-re] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Aflatoxin contamination is caused by Aspergillus flavus and closely related fungi. In The Gambia, aflatoxin contamination of groundnut and maize, two staple and economically important crops, is common. Groundnut and maize consumers are chronically exposed to aflatoxins, sometimes at alarming levels, and this has severe consequences on their health and productivity. Aflatoxin contamination also impedes commercialization in local and international premium markets. In neighboring Senegal, an aflatoxin biocontrol product containing four atoxigenic isolates of A. flavus, Aflasafe SN01, has been registered and is approved for commercial use in groundnut and maize. We detected that the four genotypes composing Aflasafe SN01 are also native to The Gambia. The biocontrol product was tested during two years in 129 maize and groundnut fields and compared with corresponding untreated fields cropped by smallholder farmers in The Gambia. Treated crops contained up to 100% less aflatoxins than untreated crops. A large portion of the crops could have been commercialized in premium markets due to the low aflatoxin content (in many cases no detectable aflatoxins), both at harvest and after storage. Substantial aflatoxin reductions were also achieved when commercially produced groundnut received treatment. Here we report for the first time the use and effectiveness of an aflatoxin biocontrol product registered for use in two nations. With the current scale-out and -up efforts of Aflasafe SN01, a large number of farmers, consumers, and traders in The Gambia and Senegal will obtain health, income, and trade benefits.[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2021 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY 4.0 International license.
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Affiliation(s)
- A L Senghor
- La Direction de Protection Végétaux, BP20054 Dakar, Senegal
| | - A Ortega-Beltran
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - J Atehnkeng
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - P Jarju
- National Food Security, Processing and Marketing Corporation, Denton Bridge, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - P J Cotty
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Tucson, AZ 85719, U.S.A
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - R Bandyopadhyay
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Nigeria
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Jiang Y, Ogunade IM, Vyas D, Adesogan AT. Aflatoxin in Dairy Cows: Toxicity, Occurrence in Feedstuffs and Milk and Dietary Mitigation Strategies. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13040283. [PMID: 33920591 PMCID: PMC8074160 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13040283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Aflatoxins are poisonous carcinogens produced by fungi, mainly Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. Aflatoxins can contaminate a variety of livestock feeds and cause enormous economic losses, estimated at between US$52.1 and US$1.68 billion annually for the U.S. corn industry alone. In addition, aflatoxin can be transferred from the diet to the milk of cows as aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), posing a significant human health hazard. In dairy cows, sheep and goats, chronic exposure to dietary aflatoxin can reduce milk production, impair reproduction and liver function, compromise immune function, and increase susceptibility to diseases; hence, strategies to lower aflatoxin contamination of feeds and to prevent or reduce the transfer of the toxin to milk are required for safeguarding animal and human health and improving the safety of dairy products and profitability of the dairy industry. This article provides an overview of the toxicity of aflatoxin to ruminant livestock, its occurrence in livestock feeds, and the effectiveness of different strategies for preventing and mitigating aflatoxin contamination of feeds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Jiang
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; (Y.J.); (D.V.)
| | - Ibukun M. Ogunade
- Division of Animal and Nutritional Science, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA;
| | - Diwakar Vyas
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; (Y.J.); (D.V.)
| | - Adegbola T. Adesogan
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; (Y.J.); (D.V.)
- Correspondence:
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Ortega-Beltran A, Kaptoge L, Senghor AL, Aikore MOS, Jarju P, Momanyi H, Konlambigue M, Falade TDO, Bandyopadhyay R. Can it be all more simple? Manufacturing aflatoxin biocontrol products using dry spores of atoxigenic isolates of Aspergillus flavus as active ingredients. Microb Biotechnol 2021; 15:901-914. [PMID: 33755307 PMCID: PMC8913866 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.13802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Aflatoxin contamination of staple crops, commonly occurring in warm areas, negatively impacts human and animal health, and hampers trade and economic development. The fungus Aspergillus flavus is the major aflatoxin producer. However, not all A. flavus genotypes produce aflatoxins. Effective aflatoxin control is achieved using biocontrol products containing spores of atoxigenic A. flavus. In Africa, various biocontrol products under the tradename Aflasafe are available. Private and public sector licensees manufacture Aflasafe using spores freshly produced in laboratories adjacent to their factories. BAMTAARE, the licensee in Senegal, had difficulties to obtain laboratory equipment during its first year of production. To overcome this, a process was developed in Ibadan, Nigeria, for producing high‐quality dry spores. Viability and stability of the dry spores were tested and conformed to set standards. In 2019, BAMTAARE manufactured Aflasafe SN01 using dry spores produced in Ibadan and sent via courier and 19 000 ha of groundnut and maize in Senegal and The Gambia were treated. Biocontrol manufactured with dry spores was as effective as biocontrol manufactured with freshly produced spores. Treated crops contained safe and significantly (P < 0.05) less aflatoxin than untreated crops. The dry spore innovation will make biocontrol manufacturing cost‐efficient in several African countries.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lawrence Kaptoge
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Nigeria
| | | | | | - Patrick Jarju
- National Food Security, Processing and Marketing Corporation, Banjul, The Gambia
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Logrieco A, Battilani P, Leggieri MC, Jiang Y, Haesaert G, Lanubile A, Mahuku G, Mesterházy A, Ortega-Beltran A, Pasti M, Smeu I, Torres A, Xu J, Munkvold G. Perspectives on Global Mycotoxin Issues and Management From the MycoKey Maize Working Group. PLANT DISEASE 2021; 105:525-537. [PMID: 32915118 DOI: 10.1094/pdis-06-20-1322-fe] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
During the last decade, there have been many advances in research and technology that have greatly contributed to expanded capabilities and knowledge in detection and measurement, characterization, biosynthesis, and management of mycotoxins in maize. MycoKey, an EU-funded Horizon 2020 project, was established to advance knowledge and technology transfer around the globe to address mycotoxin impacts in key food and feed chains. MycoKey included several working groups comprising international experts in different fields of mycotoxicology. The MycoKey Maize Working Group recently convened to gather information and strategize for the development and implementation of solutions to the maize mycotoxin problem in light of current and emerging technologies. This feature summarizes the Maize WG discussion and recommendations for addressing mycotoxin problems in maize. Discussions focused on aflatoxins, deoxynivalenol, fumonisins, and zearalenone, which are the most widespread and persistently important mycotoxins in maize. Although regional differences were recognized, there was consensus about many of the priorities for research and effective management strategies. For preharvest management, genetic resistance and selecting adapted maize genotypes, along with insect management, were among the most fruitful strategies identified across the mycotoxin groups. For postharvest management, the most important practices included timely harvest, rapid grain drying, grain cleaning, and carefully managed storage conditions. Remediation practices such as optical sorting, density separation, milling, and chemical detoxification were also suggested. Future research and communication priorities included advanced breeding technologies, development of risk assessment tools, and the development and dissemination of regionally relevant management guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Logrieco
- National Council of Research, Institute of Sciences of Food Production, Bari, Italy
| | - Paola Battilani
- Department of Sustainable Crop Production, Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Campus di Piacenza, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Marco Camardo Leggieri
- Department of Sustainable Crop Production, Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Campus di Piacenza, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Yu Jiang
- Institute of Plant Protection, Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenyang, China
| | - Geert Haesaert
- Faculty Bioscience Engineering, Department of Plants and Crops, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Alessandra Lanubile
- Department of Sustainable Crop Production, Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Campus di Piacenza, Piacenza, Italy
| | - George Mahuku
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | | | - Marco Pasti
- Italian Corn Growers' Association, Eraclea, Italy
| | - Irina Smeu
- National Research & Development Institute for Food Bioresources-IBA Bucharest, Romania
| | - Adriana Torres
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, IMICO-Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto, Rio Cuarto, Argentina
| | - Jing Xu
- Institute of Plant Protection, Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenyang, China
| | - Gary Munkvold
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
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Kortei NK, Annan T, Akonor PT, Richard SA, Annan HA, Kyei-Baffour V, Akuamoa F, Akpaloo PG, Esua-Amoafo P. The occurrence of aflatoxins and human health risk estimations in randomly obtained maize from some markets in Ghana. Sci Rep 2021; 11:4295. [PMID: 33619306 PMCID: PMC7900254 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-83751-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Maize and its products are most often prone to fungal contamination especially during cultivation and storage by toxigenic fungi. Aflatoxicosis still persist in Ghana despite the numerous education on several ways of its prevention at the farm as well as its adverse health implications which are food safety concerns. A random assessment and human risk analysis was conducted on 90 maize (72 white and 18 colored) samples from markets across all the regions of Ghana. Total aflatoxins (AFtotal) and the constitutive aflatoxins (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, and AFG2) were analyzed by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Out of a total of ninety (90) samples investigated, 72 (80%) tested positive for AFB1 and the contamination levels ranged from 0.78 ± 0.04 to 339.3 ± 8.6 µg kg−1. Similarly, AFG2 was detected in only 14 (15.5%) samples, and their values ranged between 1.09 ± 0.03 and 5.51 ± 0.26 µg kg−1 while AF total ranged between 0.78 ± 0.04 and 445.01 ± 8.9 µg kg−1 constituting approximately 72 (80%). Limits of AFB1 and total aflatoxins (AFtotal) for the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) (5 and 10 µg kg−1) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) (2 and 4 µg kg−1), were used as checks. A total of 33 (41.25%) samples were above the limits for both. Risk assessments recorded for Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Hazard Quotient (H.Q), Hazard Index (H.I), Margin of Exposure (MOE), av. Potency, and population risks ranged 0.087–0.38 μg kg−1 bw day−1, 1.5–6.9, 0.0087–0.38, 3.64–12.09, 0–0.0396 ng Aflatoxins kg−1 bw day−1 and, 3.5 × 10–1–0.015 respectively for total aflatoxins. While ranges for aflatoxins B1 (AFB1) recorded were 0.068–0.3 μg Kg bw−1 day−1, 2.43–10.64, 0.0068–0.030, 4.73–20.51, 0–0.0396 ng Aflatoxins kg−1 bw day−1 and, 2.69 × 10–3–0.012 for Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Hazard Quotient (H.Q), Hazard Index (H.I), Margin of Exposure (MOE), Av. potency, and population risks respectively. It was deduced that although there was some observed contamination of maize across the different ecological zones, the consumption of maize (white and colored) posed no adverse health effects on the population of Ghana since computed H.I was less than 1 (< 1).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nii Korley Kortei
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Health and Allied Sciences, PMB 31, Ho, Ghana.
| | - Theophilus Annan
- Food Microbiology Division, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research- Food Research Institute, P. O. Box M20, Accra, Ghana
| | - Papa Toah Akonor
- Food Processing and Engineering Division, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research- Food Research Institute, P. O. Box M20, Accra, Ghana
| | - Seidu A Richard
- Department of Medicine, Princefield University, P.O. Box MA 128, Ho, Ghana
| | - Helen Ama Annan
- Food Processing and Engineering Division, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research- Food Research Institute, P. O. Box M20, Accra, Ghana
| | - Vincent Kyei-Baffour
- Food Chemistry and Nutrition Research Division, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research- Food Research Institute, P. O. Box M20, Accra, Ghana
| | - Felicia Akuamoa
- Applied Radiation Biology Centre, Biotechnology and Nuclear Agriculture Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, P. O. Box AE 1, Atomic, Accra, Ghana
| | - Princess Golda Akpaloo
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Health and Allied Sciences, PMB 31, Ho, Ghana
| | - Paul Esua-Amoafo
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Health and Allied Sciences, PMB 31, Ho, Ghana
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29
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Kaale L, Kimanya M, Macha I, Mlalila N. Aflatoxin contamination and recommendations to improve its control: a review. WORLD MYCOTOXIN J 2021. [DOI: 10.3920/wmj2020.2599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Aflatoxin producing fungi cause contamination of food and feed resulting in health hazards and economic loss. It is imperative to develop workable control measures throughout the food chain to prevent and reduce aflatoxin contamination. This is a critical review of contemporary published papers in the field. It is a review of reports from the original aflatoxin researches conducted on foods, from 2015-2020. Most of the reports show high aflatoxin contaminations in food at levels that exceed a regulatory limit of 20 μg/kg and 4 μg/kg set for foods for human consumption in the USA and European Union, respectively. The highest aflatoxin concentration (3,760 μg/kg) was observed in maize. Some of the strategies being deployed in aflatoxin control include application of biocontrol agents, specifically of Aflasafe™, development of resistant crop varieties, and application of other good agricultural practices. We recommend the adoption of emerging technologies such as combined methods technology (CMT) or hurdle technology, one health concept (OHC), improved regulations, on-line monitoring of aflatoxins, and creative art intervention (CAI) to prevent or restrict the growth of target aflatoxin causative fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- L.D. Kaale
- University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), Department of Food Science and Technology, P.O. Box 35134, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - M.E. Kimanya
- School of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 447, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - I.J. Macha
- University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, P.O. Box 35131, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - N. Mlalila
- University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), Department of Food Science and Technology, P.O. Box 35134, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, P.O. Box 2847, Dodoma, Tanzania
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30
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Moore GG. Practical considerations will ensure the continued success of pre-harvest biocontrol using non-aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus strains. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2021; 62:4208-4225. [PMID: 33506687 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2021.1873731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
There is an important reason for the accelerated use of non-aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus to mitigate pre-harvest aflatoxin contamination… it effectively addresses the imperative need for safer food and feed. Now that we have decades of proof of the effectiveness of A. flavus as biocontrol, it is time to improve several aspects of this strategy. If we are to continue relying heavily on this form of aflatoxin mitigation, there are considerations we must acknowledge, and actions we must take, to ensure that we are best wielding this strategy to our advantage. These include its: (1) potential to produce other mycotoxins, (2) persistence in the field in light of several ecological factors, (3) its reproductive and genetic stability, (4) the mechanism(s) employed that allow it to elicit control over aflatoxigenic strains and species of agricultural importance and (5) supplemental alternatives that increase its effectiveness. There is a need to be consistent, practical and thoughtful when it comes to implementing this method of mycotoxin mitigation since these fungi are living organisms that have been adapting, evolving and surviving on this planet for tens-of-millions of years. This document will serve as a critical review of the literature regarding pre-harvest A. flavus biocontrol and will discuss opportunities for improvements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geromy G Moore
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, New Orleans, USA
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31
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Chang PK, Chang TD, Katoh K. Deciphering the origin of Aspergillus flavus NRRL21882, the active biocontrol agent of Afla-Guard ®. Lett Appl Microbiol 2021; 72:509-516. [PMID: 33251654 DOI: 10.1111/lam.13433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of genome sequences of eight Aspergillus flavus and seven Aspergillus oryzae strains were extracted with Mauve, a multiple-genome alignment programme. A phylogenetic analysis with sequences comprised of concatenated total SNPs by the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) of MAFFT adequately separated them into three groups, A. flavus S-morphotype, A. flavus L-morphotype and A. oryzae. Divergence time inferred for A. flavus NRRL21882, the active agent of the biocontrol product Afla-Guard® , and S-morphotype was about 5·1 mya. Another biocontrol strain, A. flavus AF36, diverged from aflatoxigenic L-morphotype about 2·6-3·0 mya. Despite the close relatedness of A. oryzae to A. flavus, A. oryzae strains likely evolved from aflatoxigenic Aspergillus aflatoxiformans (=A. parvisclerotigenus). A survey of A. flavus populations implies that prior Afla-Guard® applications are associated with prevalence of NRRL21882-type isolates in Mississippi fields. In addition, a few NRRL21882 relatives were identified. A. flavus Og0222, a biocontrol ingredient of Aflasafe™, was verified as a NRRL21882-type strain, having identical sequence breakpoints that led to deletion of aflatoxin and cyclopiazonic acid gene clusters. A similar UPGMA analysis suggests that the occurrence of NRRL21882-type strains is a more recent event.
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Affiliation(s)
- P-K Chang
- Southern Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - T D Chang
- 400 Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - K Katoh
- Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
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32
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Agbetiameh D, Ortega-Beltran A, Awuah RT, Atehnkeng J, Elzein A, Cotty PJ, Bandyopadhyay R. Field efficacy of two atoxigenic biocontrol products for mitigation of aflatoxin contamination in maize and groundnut in Ghana. BIOLOGICAL CONTROL : THEORY AND APPLICATIONS IN PEST MANAGEMENT 2020; 150:104351. [PMID: 33144821 PMCID: PMC7457722 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocontrol.2020.104351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Biological control is one of the recommended methods for aflatoxin mitigation. Biocontrol products must be developed, and their efficacy demonstrated before widespread use. Efficacy of two aflatoxin biocontrol products, Aflasafe GH01 and Aflasafe GH02, were evaluated in 800 maize and groundnut farmers' fields during 2015 and 2016 in the Ashanti, Brong Ahafo, Northern, Upper East, and Upper West regions of Ghana. Both products were developed after an extensive examination of fungi associated with maize and groundnut in Ghana. Each product contains as active ingredient fungi four Aspergillus flavus isolates belonging to atoxigenic African Aspergillus Vegetative Compatibility Groups (AAVs) widely distributed across Ghana. An untreated field was maintained for each treated field to determine product efficacy. Proportions of atoxigenic AAVs composing each product were assessed in soils before product application, and soils and grains at harvest. Significant (P < 0.05) displacement of toxigenic fungi occurred in both crops during both years, in all five regions. Biocontrol-treated crops consistently had significantly (P < 0.05) less aflatoxins (range = 76% to 100% less; average = 99% less) than untreated crops. Results indicate that both biocontrol products are highly efficient, cost-effective, environmentally safe tools for aflatoxin mitigation. Most crops from treated fields could have been sold in both local and international food and feed premium markets. Adoption and use of biocontrol products have the potential to improve the health of Ghanaians, and both income and trade opportunities of farmers, aggregators, distributors, and traders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Agbetiameh
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan 200001, Nigeria
- Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | - Richard T. Awuah
- Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Joseph Atehnkeng
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan 200001, Nigeria
| | - Abuelgasim Elzein
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan 200001, Nigeria
| | - Peter J. Cotty
- United States Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Research Service, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
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33
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Ezekiel CN, Kraak B, Sandoval-Denis M, Sulyok M, Oyedele OA, Ayeni KI, Makinde OM, Akinyemi OM, Krska R, Crous PW, Houbraken J. Diversity and toxigenicity of fungi and description of Fusarium madaense sp. nov. from cereals, legumes and soils in north-central Nigeria. MycoKeys 2020; 67:95-124. [PMID: 32565683 PMCID: PMC7295817 DOI: 10.3897/mycokeys.67.52716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycological investigation of various foods (mainly cowpea, groundnut, maize, rice, sorghum) and agricultural soils from two states in north-central Nigeria (Nasarawa and Niger), was conducted in order to understand the role of filamentous fungi in food contamination and public health. A total of 839 fungal isolates were recovered from 84% of the 250 food and all 30 soil samples. Preliminary identifications were made, based on macro- and micromorphological characters. Representative strains (n = 121) were studied in detail using morphology and DNA sequencing, involving genera/species-specific markers, while extrolite profiles using LC-MS/MS were obtained for a selection of strains. The representative strains grouped in seven genera (Aspergillus, Fusarium, Macrophomina, Meyerozyma, Neocosmospora, Neotestudina and Phoma). Amongst the 21 species that were isolated during this study was one novel species belonging to the Fusariumfujikuroi species complex, F.madaensesp. nov., obtained from groundnut and sorghum in Nasarawa state. The examined strains produced diverse extrolites, including several uncommon compounds: averantinmethylether in A.aflatoxiformans; aspergillimide in A.flavus; heptelidic acid in A.austwickii; desoxypaxillin, kotanin A and paspalitrems (A and B) in A.aflatoxiformans, A.austwickii and A.cerealis; aurasperon C, dimethylsulochrin, fellutanine A, methylorsellinic acid, nigragillin and pyrophen in A.brunneoviolaceus; cyclosporins (A, B, C and H) in A.niger; methylorsellinic acid, pyrophen and secalonic acid in A.piperis; aspulvinone E, fonsecin, kojic acid, kotanin A, malformin C, pyranonigrin and pyrophen in A.vadensis; and all compounds in F.madaense sp. nov., Meyerozyma, Neocosmospora and Neotestudina. This study provides snapshot data for prediction of food contamination and fungal biodiversity exploitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chibundu N Ezekiel
- Department of Microbiology, Babcock University, Ilishan Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria Babcock University Ilishan Remo Nigeria.,Institute of Bioanalytics and Agro-Metabolomics, Department of Agrobiotechnology (IFA-Tulln), University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU), Konrad Lorenzstr. 20, A-3430 Tulln, Austria University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna Tulln Austria
| | - Bart Kraak
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute Utrecht Netherlands
| | - Marcelo Sandoval-Denis
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute Utrecht Netherlands
| | - Michael Sulyok
- Institute of Bioanalytics and Agro-Metabolomics, Department of Agrobiotechnology (IFA-Tulln), University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU), Konrad Lorenzstr. 20, A-3430 Tulln, Austria University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna Tulln Austria
| | - Oluwawapelumi A Oyedele
- Department of Microbiology, Babcock University, Ilishan Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria Babcock University Ilishan Remo Nigeria
| | - Kolawole I Ayeni
- Department of Microbiology, Babcock University, Ilishan Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria Babcock University Ilishan Remo Nigeria
| | - Oluwadamilola M Makinde
- Department of Microbiology, Babcock University, Ilishan Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria Babcock University Ilishan Remo Nigeria
| | - Oluwatosin M Akinyemi
- Department of Microbiology, Babcock University, Ilishan Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria Babcock University Ilishan Remo Nigeria
| | - Rudolf Krska
- Institute of Bioanalytics and Agro-Metabolomics, Department of Agrobiotechnology (IFA-Tulln), University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU), Konrad Lorenzstr. 20, A-3430 Tulln, Austria University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna Tulln Austria.,Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, University Road, Belfast, BT7 1NN, Northern Ireland, UK Queen's University Belfast Belfast United Kingdom
| | - Pedro W Crous
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute Utrecht Netherlands
| | - Jos Houbraken
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute Utrecht Netherlands
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34
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Soni P, Gangurde SS, Ortega-Beltran A, Kumar R, Parmar S, Sudini HK, Lei Y, Ni X, Huai D, Fountain JC, Njoroge S, Mahuku G, Radhakrishnan T, Zhuang W, Guo B, Liao B, Singam P, Pandey MK, Bandyopadhyay R, Varshney RK. Functional Biology and Molecular Mechanisms of Host-Pathogen Interactions for Aflatoxin Contamination in Groundnut ( Arachis hypogaea L.) and Maize ( Zea mays L.). Front Microbiol 2020; 11:227. [PMID: 32194520 PMCID: PMC7063101 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Aflatoxins are secondary metabolites produced by soilborne saprophytic fungus Aspergillus flavus and closely related species that infect several agricultural commodities including groundnut and maize. The consumption of contaminated commodities adversely affects the health of humans and livestock. Aflatoxin contamination also causes significant economic and financial losses to producers. Research efforts and significant progress have been made in the past three decades to understand the genetic behavior, molecular mechanisms, as well as the detailed biology of host-pathogen interactions. A range of omics approaches have facilitated better understanding of the resistance mechanisms and identified pathways involved during host-pathogen interactions. Most of such studies were however undertaken in groundnut and maize. Current efforts are geared toward harnessing knowledge on host-pathogen interactions and crop resistant factors that control aflatoxin contamination. This study provides a summary of the recent progress made in enhancing the understanding of the functional biology and molecular mechanisms associated with host-pathogen interactions during aflatoxin contamination in groundnut and maize.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Soni
- International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Hyderabad, India
| | - Sunil S. Gangurde
- International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Hyderabad, India
| | | | - Rakesh Kumar
- International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Hyderabad, India
| | - Sejal Parmar
- International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Hyderabad, India
| | - Hari K. Sudini
- International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Hyderabad, India
| | - Yong Lei
- Oil Crops Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Xinzhi Ni
- Crop Genetics and Breeding Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture – Agriculture Research Service, Tifton, GA, United States
| | - Dongxin Huai
- Oil Crops Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Jake C. Fountain
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Georgia, Tifton, GA, United States
| | - Samuel Njoroge
- International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - George Mahuku
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | - Weijian Zhuang
- Oil Crops Research Institute, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Baozhu Guo
- Crop Protection and Management Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Research Service, Tifton, GA, United States
| | - Boshou Liao
- Oil Crops Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Prashant Singam
- Department of Genetics, Osmania University, Hyderabad, India
| | - Manish K. Pandey
- International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Hyderabad, India
| | | | - Rajeev K. Varshney
- International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Hyderabad, India
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35
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Benkerroum N. Aflatoxins: Producing-Molds, Structure, Health Issues and Incidence in Southeast Asian and Sub-Saharan African Countries. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E1215. [PMID: 32070028 PMCID: PMC7068566 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17041215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
This review aims to update the main aspects of aflatoxin production, occurrence and incidence in selected countries, and associated aflatoxicosis outbreaks. Means to reduce aflatoxin incidence in crops were also presented, with an emphasis on the environmentally-friendly technology using atoxigenic strains of Aspergillus flavus. Aflatoxins are unavoidable widespread natural contaminants of foods and feeds with serious impacts on health, agricultural and livestock productivity, and food safety. They are secondary metabolites produced by Aspergillus species distributed on three main sections of the genus (section Flavi, section Ochraceorosei, and section Nidulantes). Poor economic status of a country exacerbates the risk and the extent of crop contamination due to faulty storage conditions that are usually suitable for mold growth and mycotoxin production: temperature of 22 to 29 °C and water activity of 0.90 to 0.99. This situation paralleled the prevalence of high liver cancer and the occasional acute aflatoxicosis episodes that have been associated with these regions. Risk assessment studies revealed that Southeast Asian (SEA) and Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries remain at high risk and that, apart from the regulatory standards revision to be more restrictive, other actions to prevent or decontaminate crops are to be taken for adequate public health protection. Indeed, a review of publications on the incidence of aflatoxins in selected foods and feeds from countries whose crops are classically known for their highest contamination with aflatoxins, reveals that despite the intensive efforts made to reduce such an incidence, there has been no clear tendency, with the possible exception of South Africa, towards sustained improvements. Nonetheless, a global risk assessment of the new situation regarding crop contamination with aflatoxins by international organizations with the required expertise is suggested to appraise where we stand presently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noreddine Benkerroum
- Department of Food Science and Agricultural Chemistry, MacDonald Campus, McGill University, 21111 Lakeshore, Ste Anne de Bellevue, Quebec, H9X 3V9, Canada
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Shenge KC, Adhikari BN, Akande A, Callicott KA, Atehnkeng J, Ortega-Beltran A, Kumar PL, Bandyopadhyay R, Cotty PJ. Monitoring Aspergillus flavus Genotypes in a Multi-Genotype Aflatoxin Biocontrol Product With Quantitative Pyrosequencing. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:2529. [PMID: 31803149 PMCID: PMC6872644 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aflatoxins pose significant food security and public health risks, decrease productivity and profitability of animal industries, and hamper trade. To minimize aflatoxin contamination in several crops, a biocontrol technology based on atoxigenic strains of Aspergillus flavus is commercially used in the United States and some African countries. Significant efforts are underway to popularize the use of biocontrol in Africa by various means including incentives. The purpose of this study was to develop quantitative pyrosequencing assays for rapid, simultaneous quantification of proportions of four A. flavus biocontrol genotypes within complex populations of A. flavus associated with maize crops in Nigeria to facilitate payment of farmer incentives for Aflasafe (a biocontrol product) use. Protocols were developed to confirm use of Aflasafe by small scale farmers in Nigeria. Nested PCR amplifications followed by sequence by synthesis pyrosequencing assays were required to quantify frequencies of the active ingredients and, in so doing, confirm successful use of biocontrol by participating farmers. The entire verification process could be completed in 3-4 days proving a savings over other monitoring methods in both time and costs and providing data in a time frame that could work with the commercial agriculture scheme. Quantitative pyrosequencing assays represent a reliable tool for rapid detection, quantification, and monitoring of multiple A. flavus genotypes within complex fungal communities, satisfying the requirements of the regulatory community and crop end-users that wish to determine which purchased crops were treated with the biocontrol product. Techniques developed in the current study can be modified for monitoring other crop-associated fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth C. Shenge
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Bishwo N. Adhikari
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | | | - Kenneth A. Callicott
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Joseph Atehnkeng
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | | | - P. Lava Kumar
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | | | - Peter J. Cotty
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Tucson, AZ, United States
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Sserumaga JP, Ortega-Beltran A, Wagacha JM, Mutegi CK, Bandyopadhyay R. Aflatoxin-producing fungi associated with pre-harvest maize contamination in Uganda. Int J Food Microbiol 2019; 313:108376. [PMID: 31731141 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2019.108376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Maize is an important staple crop for the majority of the population in Uganda. However, in tropical and subtropical climates, maize is frequently contaminated with aflatoxins, a group of cancer-causing and immuno-suppressive mycotoxins produced by Aspergillus section Flavi fungi. In Uganda, there is limited knowledge about the causal agents of aflatoxin contamination. The current study determined both the aflatoxin levels in pre-harvest maize across Uganda and the structures of communities of aflatoxin-producing fungi associated with the maize. A total of 256 pre-harvest maize samples were collected from 23 major maize-growing districts in eight agro-ecological zones (AEZ). Maize aflatoxin content ranged from 0 to 3760 ng/g although only around 5% for Ugandan thresholds. For EU it is about 16% of the samples contained aflatoxin concentrations above tolerance thresholds. A total of 3105 Aspergillus section Flavi isolates were recovered and these were dominated by the A. flavus L morphotype (89.4%). Densities of aflatoxin-producing fungi were negatively correlated with elevation. Farming systems and climatic conditions of the AEZ are thought to have influenced communities' structure composition. Fungi from different AEZ varied significantly in aflatoxin-producing abilities and several atoxigenic genotypes were identified. The extremely high aflatoxin concentrations detected in some of the studied regions indicate that management strategies should be urgently designed for use at the pre-harvest stage. Atoxigenic genotypes detected across Uganda could serve as aflatoxin biocontrol agents to reduce crop contamination from fields conditions and throughout the maize value chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julius P Sserumaga
- National Agricultural Research Organisation, National Crops Resources Research Institute, Namulonge, P. O. Box 7084, Kampala, Uganda.
| | | | - John M Wagacha
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nairobi, P. O. Box 30197, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Charity K Mutegi
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Nairobi, Kenya.
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