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Aspergillus korhogoensis, a Novel Aflatoxin Producing Species from the Côte d'Ivoire

Amaranta Carvajal-Campos1, Ama Lethicia Manizan2, Souria Tadrist3

  • 1Toxalim (Research Centre in Food Toxicology), Université de Toulouse, INRA, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, 31027 Toulouse, France. a.carvajalcampos@gmail.com.

Toxins
|November 1, 2017
PubMed

Insights

A new aflatoxin-producing fungus, Aspergillus korhogoensis, was discovered contaminating peanuts in Côte d'Ivoire. This species produces aflatoxins and is closely related to Aspergillus flavus.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Food Microbiology
  • Plant Pathology

Background:

  • Aflatoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by Aspergillus species, posing significant risks to food safety and human health.
  • Screening studies are crucial for identifying novel fungal species that contaminate food commodities.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe and characterize a newly isolated aflatoxigenic fungal species from peanuts and peanut paste.
  • To determine the phylogenetic position and toxigenic potential of this novel species.

Main Methods:

  • Polyphasic taxonomic approach including phylogenetic analysis of nine genes (ITS, benA, cmdA, mcm7, amdS, rpb1, preB, ppgA, and preA).
  • Mating type characterization, morphological and physiological assessments.
  • Extrolite profiling using LC/HRMS to identify produced metabolites.

Main Results:

  • Isolation and description of a new aflatoxigenic species, Aspergillus korhogoensis, from peanuts in Côte d'Ivoire.
  • Phylogenetic analysis confirmed A. korhogoensis as a distinct species within the Aspergillus flavus clade, sister to A. parvisclerotigenus.
  • Characterization revealed A. korhogoensis as heterothallic and capable of producing B- and G-aflatoxins, cyclopiazonic acid, and other mycotoxins.

Conclusions:

  • Aspergillus korhogoensis is a newly identified aflatoxigenic species with significant implications for food safety in peanut production.
  • The findings contribute to the understanding of fungal diversity and toxin production in the Aspergillus section Flavi.
  • Further research is needed to assess the prevalence and impact of A. korhogoensis in agricultural settings.
Keywords:
Aspergillus section Flaviaflatoxinscyclopiazonic acidpolyphasic approachversicolorins

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