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Updated: Jul 19, 2026
09:21
Inhibition of Aspergillus flavus Growth and Aflatoxin Production in Transgenic Maize Expressing the α-amylase Inhibitor from Lablab purpureus L.
Published on: February 15, 2019
Aflatoxin-producing Aspergillus species from Thailand
Kenneth C Ehrlich1, Kerri Kobbeman, Beverly G Montalbano
1Southern Regional Research Center\ARS\USDA, 1100 RE Lee Blvd., PO Box 19687, New Orleans LA 70124, USA. ehlich@srrc.ars.usda.gov
International Journal of Food Microbiology
|October 24, 2006
Summary
Aflatoxin-producing Aspergillus species were identified in Thai soil. Unusual Aspergillus nomius strains, previously unreported in Thailand, may be a new source of aflatoxin contamination.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Food Safety
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Aflatoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by Aspergillus species.
- Previous studies on aflatoxin-producing fungi in Thailand have focused on common species.
- The diversity and prevalence of aflatoxin-producing Aspergillus in Thai soil require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify aflatoxin-producing Aspergillus species in Thai soil samples.
- To characterize the genetic and morphological properties of isolated Aspergillus species.
- To assess the potential for previously unrecognized Aspergillus species to contribute to aflatoxin contamination in Thailand.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and identification of Aspergillus species from ten diverse Thai soil samples.
- Molecular characterization using DNA sequence alignments of three genetic regions (taa, ITS, aflJ-aflR).
- Morphological analysis to compare isolates with known aflatoxin-producing types.
Main Results:
- Aspergillus flavus was ubiquitous in all soil samples.
- A. pseudotamarii was identified for the first time in Thailand.
- Unique Aspergillus nomius clades were discovered, with one clade exhibiting S-type morphology and B- and G-aflatoxin production potential.
- No A. parasiticus or B-/G-toxigenic A. flavus were detected.
Conclusions:
- The study identified a novel diversity of aflatoxin-producing Aspergillus in Thailand, including the first report of A. pseudotamarii.
- Specific Aspergillus nomius clades possess characteristics that could lead to misidentification and represent a potential, unrecognized source of aflatoxin contamination.
- Further research is crucial to understand the public health implications of these findings in Thailand.
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