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Comparison of some screening methods for aflatoxigenic moulds
M L Abarca1, M R Bragulat, M T Bruguera
1Dpto. Patología y Producciones Animales (Microbiología), Facultad de Veterinaria, Bellaterra Barcelona, Spain.
Mycopathologia
|November 1, 1988
Summary
Only 13.5% of Aspergillus flavus strains from animal feed produced aflatoxins. Coconut agar medium (CAM) showed higher aflatoxin concentrations, but detection methods varied in effectiveness for identifying these mycotoxins.
Area of Science:
- Food safety
- Mycology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Aspergillus flavus group fungi contaminate animal feed.
- Aflatoxins produced by these fungi pose significant health risks.
- Accurate detection of aflatoxin-producing strains is crucial for feed safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To screen Aspergillus flavus strains for aflatoxin production.
- To compare the efficacy of different media and detection methods.
- To assess aflatoxin contamination in animal feed.
Main Methods:
- Screening of 37 Aspergillus flavus strains from animal feed.
- Culturing on Yeast Extract Sucrose (YES), Aflatoxin Producing Ability (APA), and Coconut Agar Medium (CAM).
- Comparison of aflatoxin detection using agar-plug and TLC methods.
Main Results:
- Only 13.5% of strains produced aflatoxins in YES medium.
- CAM medium generally showed higher aflatoxin concentrations.
- Detection varied; some producers were missed by agar-plug and TLC methods.
Conclusions:
- A low percentage of tested Aspergillus flavus strains produced aflatoxins.
- CAM is a promising medium for higher aflatoxin yield.
- Current detection methods require optimization for comprehensive identification of aflatoxin producers.