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Ochratoxin production by Aspergillus species
1Department of Microbiology, Attila József University, Szeged, Hungary. jvarga@bio.u-szeged.hu
Abstract:
Ochratoxin production was tested in 172 strains representing species in sections Fumigati, Circumdati, Candidi, and Wentii of the genus Aspergillus by an immunochemical method using a monoclonal antibody preparation against ochratoxin A. Ochratoxin A was detected in Aspergillus ochraceus, A. alliaceus, A. sclerotiorum, A. sulphureus, A. albertensis, A. auricomus, and A. wentii strains. This is the first report of production of ochratoxins in the latter three species. Ochratoxin production by these species was confirmed by high-performance thin-layer chromatography and by high-performance liquid chromatography. The chemical methods also indicated the production of ochratoxin B by all of the Aspergillus strains mentioned above.
Insights
This study identified ochratoxin production in several Aspergillus species using immunochemical and chromatographic methods. Ochratoxin A and B were detected, with new findings for three Aspergillus species.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Food Safety
- Toxicology
Background:
- Ochratoxins are mycotoxins produced by certain Aspergillus and Penicillium species.
- Contamination of food and feed with ochratoxins poses a significant health risk.
- Accurate identification of ochratoxin-producing fungi is crucial for risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate ochratoxin production in various Aspergillus species.
- To identify new species capable of producing ochratoxins.
- To confirm ochratoxin production using multiple analytical techniques.
Main Methods:
- Screening of 172 Aspergillus strains from sections Fumigati, Circumdati, Candidi, and Wentii.
- Immunochemical detection using a monoclonal antibody against ochratoxin A.
- Confirmation of ochratoxin A and B production by high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
Main Results:
- Ochratoxin A was detected in Aspergillus ochraceus, A. alliaceus, A. sclerotiorum, A. sulphureus, A. albertensis, A. auricomus, and A. wentii.
- This study is the first to report ochratoxin production in A. albertensis, A. auricomus, and A. wentii.
- Ochratoxin B was also detected in all identified ochratoxin-producing strains.
Conclusions:
- Several Aspergillus species, including newly identified ones, are capable of producing ochratoxins.
- The findings highlight the importance of monitoring these fungi for ochratoxin contamination.
- Combined immunochemical and chromatographic methods provide reliable detection of ochratoxins.