Ochratoxin production by 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.