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Schamann A, Soukup ST, Geisen R, Kulling S, Schmidt-Heydt M. Comparative analysis of the genomes and aflatoxin production patterns of three species within the Aspergillus section Flavi reveals an undescribed chemotype and habitat-specific genetic traits. Commun Biol 2024; 7:1134. [PMID: 39271769 PMCID: PMC11399119 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06738-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Aflatoxins are the most dangerous mycotoxins for food safety. They are mainly produced by Aspergillus flavus, A. parasiticus, and A. minisclerotigenes. The latter, an understudied species, was the main culprit for outbreaks of fatal aflatoxicosis in Kenya in the past. To determine specific genetic characteristics of these Aspergillus species, their genomes are comparatively analyzed. Differences reflecting the typical habitat are reported, such as an increased number of carbohydrate-active enzymes, including enzymes for lignin degradation, in the genomes of A. minisclerotigenes and A. parasiticus. Further, variations within the aflatoxin gene clusters are described, which are related to different chemotypes of aflatoxin biosynthesis. These include a substitution within the aflL gene of the A. parasiticus isolate, which leads to the translation of a stop codon, thereby switching off the production of the group 1 aflatoxins B1 and G1. In addition, we demonstrate that the inability of the A. minisclerotigenes isolates to produce group G aflatoxins is associated with a 2.2 kb deletion within the aflF and aflU genes. These findings reveal a relatively high genetic homology among the three Aspergillus species investigated. However, they also demonstrate consequential genetic differences that have an important impact on risk-assessment and food safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Schamann
- Department of Safety and Quality of Fruit and Vegetables, Max Rubner-Institut, Federal Research Institute of Nutrition and Food, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Sebastian T Soukup
- Department of Safety and Quality of Fruit and Vegetables, Max Rubner-Institut, Federal Research Institute of Nutrition and Food, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Rolf Geisen
- Department of Safety and Quality of Fruit and Vegetables, Max Rubner-Institut, Federal Research Institute of Nutrition and Food, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Sabine Kulling
- Department of Safety and Quality of Fruit and Vegetables, Max Rubner-Institut, Federal Research Institute of Nutrition and Food, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Markus Schmidt-Heydt
- Department of Safety and Quality of Fruit and Vegetables, Max Rubner-Institut, Federal Research Institute of Nutrition and Food, Karlsruhe, Germany.
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2
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Gachara G, Suleiman R, Kilima B, Taoussi M, El Kadili S, Fauconnier ML, Barka EA, Vujanovic V, Lahlali R. Pre- and post-harvest aflatoxin contamination and management strategies of Aspergillus spoilage in East African Community maize: review of etiology and climatic susceptibility. Mycotoxin Res 2024:10.1007/s12550-024-00555-0. [PMID: 39264500 DOI: 10.1007/s12550-024-00555-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Abstract
Globally, maize (Zea mays L.) is deemed an important cereal that serves as a staple food and feed for humans and animals, respectively. Across the East African Community, maize is the staple food responsible for providing over one-third of calories in diets. Ideally, stored maize functions as man-made grain ecosystems, with nutritive quality changes influenced predominantly by chemical, biological, and physical factors. Food spoilage and fungal contamination are convergent reasons that contribute to the exacerbation of mycotoxins prevalence, particularly when storage conditions have deteriorated. In Kenya, aflatoxins are known to be endemic with the 2004 acute aflatoxicosis outbreak being described as one of the most ravaging epidemics in the history of human mycotoxin poisoning. In Tanzania, the worst aflatoxin outbreak occurred in 2016 with case fatalities reaching 50%. Similar cases of aflatoxicoses have also been reported in Uganda, scenarios that depict the severity of mycotoxin contamination across this region. Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan seemingly have minimal occurrences and fatalities of aflatoxicoses and aflatoxin contamination. Low diet diversity tends to aggravate human exposure to aflatoxins since maize, as a dietetic staple, is highly aflatoxin-prone. In light of this, it becomes imperative to formulate and develop workable control frameworks that can be embraced in minimizing aflatoxin contamination throughout the food chain. This review evaluates the scope and magnitude of aflatoxin contamination in post-harvest maize and climate susceptibility within an East African Community context. The paper also treats the potential green control strategies against Aspergillus spoilage including biocontrol-prophylactic handling for better and durable maize production.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Gachara
- Department of Plant Protection, Phytopathology Unit, Ecole Nationale d'Agriculture de Meknès, Km 10, Route Haj Kaddour, BP S/40, 50001, Meknès, Morocco.
- Department of AgroBiosciences, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Lot 660, Hay Moulay Rachid, Ben Guerir, 43150, Morocco.
- Department of Food Sciences and Agro-Processing, School of Engineering and Technology, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3019, Morogoro, Tanzania.
| | - R Suleiman
- Department of Food Sciences and Agro-Processing, School of Engineering and Technology, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3019, Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - B Kilima
- Department of Food Sciences and Agro-Processing, School of Engineering and Technology, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3019, Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - M Taoussi
- Department of Plant Protection, Phytopathology Unit, Ecole Nationale d'Agriculture de Meknès, Km 10, Route Haj Kaddour, BP S/40, 50001, Meknès, Morocco
- Environment and Valorization of Microbial and Plant Resources Unit, Faculty of Sciences, Moulay Ismail University, Meknès, Morocco
| | - S El Kadili
- Department of Animal Production, Ecole Nationale d'Agriculture de Meknès, Route Haj Kaddour, BP S/40, 50001, Meknes, Morocco
| | - M L Fauconnier
- Gembloux AgroBiotech, University of Liege, Gembloux, Belgium
| | - E A Barka
- Unité de Recherche Résistance Induite et Bio-Protection des Plantes-EA 4707, Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, 51100, Reims, France
| | - V Vujanovic
- Department of Food and Bioproduct Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, 51 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5A8, Canada
| | - R Lahlali
- Department of Plant Protection, Phytopathology Unit, Ecole Nationale d'Agriculture de Meknès, Km 10, Route Haj Kaddour, BP S/40, 50001, Meknès, Morocco.
- Department of AgroBiosciences, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Lot 660, Hay Moulay Rachid, Ben Guerir, 43150, Morocco.
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3
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Katati B, Kovács S, Njapau H, Kachapulula PW, Zwaan BJ, van Diepeningen AD, Schoustra SE. Maize Aspergillus section Flavi isolate diversity may be distinct from that of soil and subsequently the source of aflatoxin contamination. Mycotoxin Res 2024; 40:351-367. [PMID: 38647834 PMCID: PMC11258066 DOI: 10.1007/s12550-024-00532-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Aspergillus section Flavi (Flavi) is a diverse group of fungal species whose common members include A. flavus and A. parasiticus. These are well-known for the production of aflatoxin (AF) B and G and other toxic metabolites, like cyclopiazonic acid (CPA). They are saprophytic soil dwellers and also become crop opportunistic epiphytes. The consequence is contamination of the crop with mycotoxins, such as carcinogenic AF. We investigated the Flavi community structure of maize and that of their surrounding soil, including their mycotoxigenicity. Furthermore, we investigated the link of the maize Flavi diversity with preharvest maize AF levels. The study was carried out in four selected districts of Zambia, in a low rainfall zone. The Flavi characterisation was triphasic, involving morphological (colony colour and sclerotia formation), metabolic (AF and CPA production) and genetic (calmodulin gene polymorphism) analyses. Flavi abundance was determined by dilution plate technique on modified rose Bengal agar. Results showed that Flavi communities on maize and in soil differed. Maize had a higher Flavi species diversity than soil. A. parasiticus dominated the soil community by frequency of field appearance (85%), while maize was dominated by A. minisclerotigenes (45%). CPA-producers with or without AF production dominated the maize (65%) while producers of only AF (B/G) dominated the soil (88%). The ratio between maize A. parasiticus and A. minisclerotigenes abundance seemed to have had a bearing on the levels of AF in maize, with a ratio close to 1:1 having higher levels than a pure community of either A. parasiticus or A. minisclerotigenes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bwalya Katati
- Laboratory of Genetics, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
- Mycotoxicology Laboratory, National Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research, Lusaka, Zambia.
| | - Stan Kovács
- Laboratory of Genetics, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Henry Njapau
- Mycotoxicology Laboratory, National Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | - Bas J Zwaan
- Laboratory of Genetics, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Anne D van Diepeningen
- Biointeractions and Plant Health, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sijmen E Schoustra
- Laboratory of Genetics, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
- School of Agricultural Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
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Chen X, Abdallah MF, Landschoot S, Audenaert K, De Saeger S, Chen X, Rajkovic A. Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium verticillioides and Their Main Mycotoxins: Global Distribution and Scenarios of Interactions in Maize. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:577. [PMID: 37756003 PMCID: PMC10534665 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15090577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Maize is frequently contaminated with multiple mycotoxins, especially those produced by Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium verticillioides. As mycotoxin contamination is a critical factor that destabilizes global food safety, the current review provides an updated overview of the (co-)occurrence of A. flavus and F. verticillioides and (co-)contamination of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and fumonisin B1 (FB1) in maize. Furthermore, it summarizes their interactions in maize. The gathered data predict the (co-)occurrence and virulence of A. flavus and F. verticillioides would increase worldwide, especially in European cold climate countries. Studies on the interaction of both fungi regarding their growth mainly showed antagonistic interactions in vitro or in planta conditions. However, the (co-)contamination of AFB1 and FB1 has risen worldwide in the last decade. Primarily, this co-contamination increased by 32% in Europe (2010-2020 vs. 1992-2009). This implies that fungi and mycotoxins would severely threaten European-grown maize.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangrong Chen
- Department of Food Technology, Safety and Health, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (M.F.A.); (A.R.)
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (S.L.); (K.A.)
| | - Mohamed F. Abdallah
- Department of Food Technology, Safety and Health, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (M.F.A.); (A.R.)
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 71515, Egypt
| | - Sofie Landschoot
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (S.L.); (K.A.)
| | - Kris Audenaert
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (S.L.); (K.A.)
| | - Sarah De Saeger
- Centre of Excellence in Mycotoxicology and Public Health, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Faculty of Science, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein Campus, P.O. Box 17011, Gauteng 2028, South Africa
| | - Xiangfeng Chen
- Shandong Analysis and Test Centre, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Science), Jinan 250014, China;
| | - Andreja Rajkovic
- Department of Food Technology, Safety and Health, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (M.F.A.); (A.R.)
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Ochieng PE, Croubels S, Kemboi D, Okoth S, De Baere S, Cavalier E, Kang'ethe E, Faas J, Doupovec B, Gathumbi J, Douny C, Scippo ML, Lindahl JF, Antonissen G. Effects of Aflatoxins and Fumonisins, Alone or in Combination, on Performance, Health, and Safety of Food Products of Broiler Chickens, and Mitigation Efficacy of Bentonite and Fumonisin Esterase. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:13462-13473. [PMID: 37655855 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c01733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
The current study evaluated the effects of feeding diets contaminated with aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), fumonisins (FBs), or both on the performance and health of broiler chickens and the safety of their food products as well as the efficacy of bentonite and fumonisin esterase to mitigate the effects of these mycotoxins under conditions representative for sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Four hundred one-day-old Cobb 500 broiler chickens were randomly assigned to 20 treatments with either a control diet, a diet with moderate AFB1 (60 μg/kg feed) or high AFB1 (220 μg/kg feed), or FBs (17,430 μg FB1+FB2/kg feed), alone or in combination, a diet containing AFB1 (either 60 or 220 μg/kg) and/or FBs (17,430 μg FB1+FB2/kg) and bentonite or fumonisin esterase or both, or a diet with bentonite or fumonisin esterase only. The experimental diets were given to the birds from day 1 to day 35 of age, and the effects of the different treatments on production performance were assessed by feed intake (FI), body weight gain (BWG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Possible health effects were evaluated through blood biochemistry, organ weights, mortality, liver gross pathological changes, and vaccine response. Residues of aflatoxins (AFB1, B2, G1, G2, M1 and M2) were determined in plasma, muscle, and liver tissues using validated UHPLC-MS/MS methods. The results obtained indicated that broiler chickens fed high AFB1 alone had poor FCR when compared to a diet with both high AFB1 and FBs (p = 0.0063). Serum total protein and albumin from birds fed FBs only or in combination with moderate or high AFB1 or detoxifiers increased when compared to the control (p < 0.05). Liver gross pathological changes were more pronounced in birds fed contaminated diets when compared to birds fed the control or diets supplemented with mycotoxin detoxifiers. The relative weight of the heart was significantly higher in birds fed high AFB1 and FBs when compared to the control or high AFB1 only diets (p < 0.05), indicating interactions between the mycotoxins. Inclusion of bentonite in AFB1-contaminated diets offered a protective effect on the change in weights of the liver, heart and spleen (p < 0.05). Residues of AFB1 were detected above the limit of quantification (max: 0.12 ± 0.03 μg/kg) in liver samples only, from birds fed a diet with high AFB1 only or with FBs or the detoxifiers. Supplementing bentonite into these AFB1-contaminated diets reduced the levels of the liver AFB1 residues by up to 50%. Bentonite or fumonisin esterase, alone, did not affect the performance and health of broiler chickens. Thus, at the doses tested, both detoxifiers were safe and efficient for use as valid means of counteracting the negative effects of AFB1 and FBs as well as transfer of AFB1 to food products (liver) of broiler chickens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillis Emelda Ochieng
- Department of Food Sciences, Laboratory of Food Analysis, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Liège 4000, Belgium
- Department of Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Zoological Medicine, Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke 9820, Belgium
| | - Siska Croubels
- Department of Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Zoological Medicine, Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke 9820, Belgium
| | - David Kemboi
- Department of Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Zoological Medicine, Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke 9820, Belgium
- Department of Animal Science, Chuka University, P.O. Box 109, 00625 Chuka, Kenya
| | - Sheila Okoth
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Siegrid De Baere
- Department of Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Zoological Medicine, Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke 9820, Belgium
| | - Etienne Cavalier
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Medicines (CIRM), University of Liège, University Hospital of Liège, Liège 4000, Belgium
| | | | | | | | - James Gathumbi
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Microbiology, and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Caroline Douny
- Department of Food Sciences, Laboratory of Food Analysis, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Liège 4000, Belgium
| | - Marie-Louise Scippo
- Department of Food Sciences, Laboratory of Food Analysis, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Liège 4000, Belgium
| | - Johanna F Lindahl
- International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), P.O. Box 30709, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala SE-751 05, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala SE-750 07, Sweden
| | - Gunther Antonissen
- Department of Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Zoological Medicine, Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke 9820, Belgium
- Chair Poultry Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke 9820, Belgium
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Schamann A, Geisen R, Schmidt-Heydt M. Whole-Genome Sequences of Two Kenyan Aspergillus minisclerotigenes Strains. Microbiol Resour Announc 2023; 12:e0021923. [PMID: 37404178 PMCID: PMC10443383 DOI: 10.1128/mra.00219-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Here, we report the sequencing of the whole genome, including the mitochondrial DNA, of the two highly aflatoxigenic Aspergillus minisclerotigenes strains MRI390 and MRI400 using the MiSeq and PacBio platforms and the generated assemblies. The strains were isolated from Kenyan maize kernels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Schamann
- Max Rubner-Institut, Federal Research Institute of Nutrition and Food, Department of Safety and Quality of Fruit and Vegetables, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Rolf Geisen
- Max Rubner-Institut, Federal Research Institute of Nutrition and Food, Department of Safety and Quality of Fruit and Vegetables, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Markus Schmidt-Heydt
- Max Rubner-Institut, Federal Research Institute of Nutrition and Food, Department of Safety and Quality of Fruit and Vegetables, Karlsruhe, Germany
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Moura-Mendes J, Cazal-Martínez CC, Rojas C, Ferreira F, Pérez-Estigarribia P, Dias N, Godoy P, Costa J, Santos C, Arrua A. Species Identification and Mycotoxigenic Potential of Aspergillus Section Flavi Isolated from Maize Marketed in the Metropolitan Region of Asunción, Paraguay. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1879. [PMID: 37630439 PMCID: PMC10458825 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11081879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Zea mays var. amylacea and Zea mays var. indurata are maize ecotypes from Paraguay. Aspergillus section Flavi is the main spoilage fungus of maize under storage conditions. Due to its large intraspecific genetic variability, the accurate identification of this fungal taxonomic group is difficult. In the present study, potential mycotoxigenic strains of Aspergillus section Flavi isolated from Z. mays var. indurata and Z. mays var. amylacea that are marketed in the metropolitan region of Asunción were identified by a polyphasic approach. Based on morphological characters, 211 isolates were confirmed to belong to Aspergillus section Flavi. A subset of 92 strains was identified as Aspergillus flavus by mass spectrometry MALDI-TOF and the strains were classified by MALDI-TOF MS into chemotypes based on their aflatoxins and cyclopiazonic acid production. According to the partial sequencing of ITS and CaM genes, a representative subset of 38 A. flavus strains was confirmed. Overall, 75 A. flavus strains (86%) were characterized as producers of aflatoxins. The co-occurrence of at least two mycotoxins (AF/ZEA, FUM/ZEA, and AF/ZEA/FUM) was detected for five of the Z. mays samples (63%). Considering the high mycological bioburden and mycotoxin contamination, maize marketed in the metropolitan region of Asunción constitutes a potential risk to food safety and public health and requires control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Moura-Mendes
- Centro Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones Tecnológicas, Universidad Nacional de Asunción, San Lorenzo 111421, Paraguay; (J.M.-M.)
| | - Cinthia C. Cazal-Martínez
- Centro Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones Tecnológicas, Universidad Nacional de Asunción, San Lorenzo 111421, Paraguay; (J.M.-M.)
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Asunción, San Lorenzo 111421, Paraguay
| | - Cinthia Rojas
- Centro Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones Tecnológicas, Universidad Nacional de Asunción, San Lorenzo 111421, Paraguay; (J.M.-M.)
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Asunción, San Lorenzo 111421, Paraguay
| | - Francisco Ferreira
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Asunción, San Lorenzo 111421, Paraguay
| | - Pastor Pérez-Estigarribia
- Facultad Politécnica, Universidad Nacional de Asunción, San Lorenzo 111421, Paraguay
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Sudamericana, Pedro Juan Caballero 130112, Paraguay
| | - Nathalia Dias
- BIOREN-UFRO Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
| | - Patrício Godoy
- Instituto de Microbiología Clínica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile
| | - Jéssica Costa
- Departamento de Biologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas-ICB, Universidade Federal do Amazonas, Av. Rodrigo Otávio Jordão Ramos 3000, Bloco 01, Manaus 69077-000, Brazil;
| | - Cledir Santos
- Department of Chemical Science and Natural Resources, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
| | - Andrea Arrua
- Centro Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones Tecnológicas, Universidad Nacional de Asunción, San Lorenzo 111421, Paraguay; (J.M.-M.)
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Asunción, San Lorenzo 111421, Paraguay
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8
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Maximizing Laboratory Production of Aflatoxins and Fumonisins for Use in Experimental Animal Feeds. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10122385. [PMID: 36557638 PMCID: PMC9786054 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10122385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Warm and humid climatic conditions coupled with poor agricultural practices in sub-Saharan Africa favor the contamination of food and feed by Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium verticillioides fungi, which subsequently may produce aflatoxins (AFs) and fumonisins (FBs), respectively. The growth of fungi and the production of mycotoxins are influenced by physical (temperature, pH, water activity, light and aeration), nutritional, and biological factors. This study aimed at optimizing the conditions for the laboratory production of large quantities of AFs and FBs for use in the animal experiments. A. flavus and F. verticillioides strains, previously isolated from maize in Kenya, were used. Levels of AFB1 and total FBs (FB1, FB2, and FB3) in different growth substrates were screened using ELISA methods. Maize kernels inoculated with three different strains of A. flavus simultaneously and incubated at 29 °C for 21 days had the highest AFB1 level of 12,550 ± 3397 μg/kg of substrate. The highest level of total FBs (386,533 ± 153,302 μg/kg of substrate) was detected in cracked maize inoculated with three different strains of F. verticillioides and incubated for 21 days at temperatures of 22-25 °C in a growth chamber fitted with yellow light. These two methods are recommended for the mass production of AFB1 and FBs for animal feeding trials.
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Ye T, Yuan S, Kong Y, Yang H, Wei H, Zhang Y, Jin H, Yu Q, Liu J, Chen S, Sun J. Effect of Probiotic Fungi against Cognitive Impairment in Mice via Regulation of the Fungal Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2022; 70:9026-9038. [PMID: 35833673 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c03142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The fungal microbiota may be involved in the regulation of cognition and behavior, while the role of probiotic fungi against cognitive impairment is unclear. Here, we explored the idea that probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii could participate in the regulation of microglia-induced neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease (AD) model mice. Cognitive deficits, deposits of amyloid-β (Aβ) and phosphorylation of tau, synaptic plasticity, microglia activation, and neuroinflammatory reactions were observed. The expression levels of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) pathway-related proteins were detected. Meanwhile, intestinal barrier integrity and fungal microbiota composition were evaluated. Our results showed fungal microbiota dysbiosis in APP/PS1 mice, which might result in the neuroinflammation of AD. The increased levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and cluster of differentiation 11b (CD11b) were observed in APP/PS1 mice, which were associated with activation of microglia, indicative of a broader recognition of neuroinflammation mediated by fungal microbiota compared to hitherto appreciated. Probiotic S. boulardii treatment improved dysbiosis, alleviated the neuroinflammation as well as synaptic injury, and ultimately improved cognitive impairment. Moreover, S. boulardii therapy could inhibit microglia activation and the TLRs pathway, which were reversed by antifungal treatment. These findings revealed that S. boulardii actively participated in regulating the TLRs pathway to inhibit the neuroinflammation via the gut-brain axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Ye
- Department of Geriatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Shushu Yuan
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Yu Kong
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Huiqun Yang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Hongming Wei
- Department of Geriatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Yuhe Zhang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Hangqi Jin
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Qingxia Yu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Jiaming Liu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Songfang Chen
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Jing Sun
- Department of Geriatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
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10
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Nganga EM, Kyallo M, Orwa P, Rotich F, Gichuhi E, Kimani JM, Mwongera D, Waweru B, Sikuku P, Musyimi DM, Mutiga SK, Ziyomo C, Murori R, Wasilwa L, Correll JC, Talbot NJ. Foliar Diseases and the Associated Fungi in Rice Cultivated in Kenya. PLANTS 2022; 11:plants11091264. [PMID: 35567265 PMCID: PMC9105481 DOI: 10.3390/plants11091264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
We conducted a survey to assess the occurrence and severity of rice blast and brown spot diseases on popular cultivars grown in the Busia, Kirinyaga, and Kisumu counties of Kenya in 2019. Working with agricultural extension workers within rice production areas, we interviewed farmers (n = 89) regarding their preferred cultivars and their awareness of blast disease, as this was the major focus of our research. We scored the symptoms of blast and brown spot and assessed the lodging, plant height, and maturity of the crops (days after planting). Furthermore, we collected leaf and neck tissues for the assessment of the prevailing fungal populations. We used specific DNA primers to screen for the prevalence of the causal pathogens of blast, Magnaporthe oryzae, and brown spot, Cochliobolus miyabeanus, on asymptomatic and symptomatic leaf samples. We also conducted fungal isolations and PCR-sequencing to identify the fungal species in these tissues. Busia and Kisumu had a higher diversity of cultivars compared to Kirinyaga. The aromatic Pishori (NIBAM 11) was preferred and widely grown for commercial purposes in Kirinyaga, where 86% of Kenyan rice is produced. NIBAM108 (IR2793-80-1) and BW196 (NIBAM 109) were moderately resistant to blast, while NIBAM110 (ITA310) and Vietnam were susceptible. All the cultivars were susceptible to brown spot except for KEH10005 (Arize Tej Gold), a commercial hybrid cultivar. We also identified diverse pathogenic and non-pathogenic fungi, with a high incidence of Nigrospora oryzae, in the rice fields of Kirinyaga. There was a marginal correlation between disease severity/incidence and the occurrence of causal pathogens. This study provides evidence of the need to strengthen pathogen surveillance through retraining agricultural extension agents and to breed for blast and brown spot resistance in popular rice cultivars in Kenya.
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Affiliation(s)
- Everlyne M. Nganga
- Department of Botany, School of Physical and Biological Sciences, Maseno University, Kisumu P.O. Box 3275-40100, Kenya; (E.M.N.); (P.S.); (D.M.M.)
| | - Martina Kyallo
- Biosciences Eastern and Central Africa-International Livestock Research Institute (BecA-ILRI) Hub, ILRI Complex, Old Naivasha Road, Nairobi P.O. Box 30709-00100, Kenya; (M.K.); (B.W.); (C.Z.)
| | - Philemon Orwa
- Department of Water and Agricultural Resource Management, School of Agriculture, University of Embu, Embu P.O. Box 6-60100, Kenya; (P.O.); (F.R.)
| | - Felix Rotich
- Department of Water and Agricultural Resource Management, School of Agriculture, University of Embu, Embu P.O. Box 6-60100, Kenya; (P.O.); (F.R.)
| | - Emily Gichuhi
- Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, Kaptagat Road, Loresho, Nairobi P.O. Box 57811-00200, Kenya; (E.G.); (J.M.K.); (D.M.); (L.W.)
| | - John M. Kimani
- Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, Kaptagat Road, Loresho, Nairobi P.O. Box 57811-00200, Kenya; (E.G.); (J.M.K.); (D.M.); (L.W.)
| | - David Mwongera
- Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, Kaptagat Road, Loresho, Nairobi P.O. Box 57811-00200, Kenya; (E.G.); (J.M.K.); (D.M.); (L.W.)
| | - Bernice Waweru
- Biosciences Eastern and Central Africa-International Livestock Research Institute (BecA-ILRI) Hub, ILRI Complex, Old Naivasha Road, Nairobi P.O. Box 30709-00100, Kenya; (M.K.); (B.W.); (C.Z.)
| | - Phoebe Sikuku
- Department of Botany, School of Physical and Biological Sciences, Maseno University, Kisumu P.O. Box 3275-40100, Kenya; (E.M.N.); (P.S.); (D.M.M.)
| | - David M. Musyimi
- Department of Botany, School of Physical and Biological Sciences, Maseno University, Kisumu P.O. Box 3275-40100, Kenya; (E.M.N.); (P.S.); (D.M.M.)
| | - Samuel K. Mutiga
- Biosciences Eastern and Central Africa-International Livestock Research Institute (BecA-ILRI) Hub, ILRI Complex, Old Naivasha Road, Nairobi P.O. Box 30709-00100, Kenya; (M.K.); (B.W.); (C.Z.)
- Eastern and Southern Region Office, International Rice Research Institute, ILRI Complex, Old Naivasha Road, Nairobi P.O. Box 30709-00100, Kenya;
- Correspondence:
| | - Cathrine Ziyomo
- Biosciences Eastern and Central Africa-International Livestock Research Institute (BecA-ILRI) Hub, ILRI Complex, Old Naivasha Road, Nairobi P.O. Box 30709-00100, Kenya; (M.K.); (B.W.); (C.Z.)
| | - Rosemary Murori
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Division of Agriculture, The University of Arkansas System, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA;
| | - Lusike Wasilwa
- Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, Kaptagat Road, Loresho, Nairobi P.O. Box 57811-00200, Kenya; (E.G.); (J.M.K.); (D.M.); (L.W.)
| | - James C. Correll
- Eastern and Southern Region Office, International Rice Research Institute, ILRI Complex, Old Naivasha Road, Nairobi P.O. Box 30709-00100, Kenya;
| | - Nicholas J. Talbot
- The Sainsbury Laboratory, Norwich Research Park, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK;
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11
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Kagot V, De Boevre M, De Saeger S, Moretti A, Mwamuye M, Okoth S. Incidence of toxigenic Aspergillus and Fusarium species occurring in maize kernels from Kenyan households. WORLD MYCOTOXIN J 2022. [DOI: 10.3920/wmj2021.2748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Aspergillus and Fusarium are fungal genera that include toxigenic and pathogenic species, able to suffuse farmers’ crops and secrete an array of small molecular weight secondary metabolites which can cause health complications to humans and animals when ingested. In sub-Sahara Africa, contamination and persistence of these fungi is increased by the tropical climatic conditions which are ideal for the fungi to thrive. This study evaluated the incidence, regional distribution and toxigenic potential of Aspergillus and Fusarium species occurring in maize kernels from Eastern, Western, Coastal and the Lake Victoria agro-ecological zones of Kenya. Maize kernels were collected from 16 households in each agro-ecological zone. Single spore technique was used to isolate pure cultures of Aspergillus and Fusarium which were identified morphologically. Further, molecular analysis was done using the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS 1) region of the ribosomal DNA for Aspergillus and the translation elongation factor-1 alpha (TEF-1α) for Fusarium. The potential of the isolated fungi to produce mycotoxins was probed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based on the aflatoxin regulatory aflaR gene in Aspergillus, and the fumonisin backbone structure gene FUM1 in Fusarium. Among the potentially aflatoxigenic A. flavus species isolated, 55% were from Eastern, 27% from the Coastal zone, 13% from Lake Victoria zone and 5% from Western Kenya. Among the potentially fumonisin producing F. verticillioides isolated, 45% were from the Lake Victoria agro-ecological zone, 30% were from Western, 15% from Eastern Kenya and 10% from the Coastal agro-ecological zone. This study adds data on potential mycotoxin hotspots in Kenya useful in employing targeted and regional mycotoxin mitigation strategies in efforts to avert future mycotoxicoses outbreaks in Kenya.
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Affiliation(s)
- V. Kagot
- Centre of Excellence in Mycotoxicology & Public Health, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- School of Biological Sciences-University of Nairobi, Riverside Drive, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya
| | - M. De Boevre
- Centre of Excellence in Mycotoxicology & Public Health, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - S. De Saeger
- Centre of Excellence in Mycotoxicology & Public Health, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Faculty of Science, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein Campus, P.O. Box 17011, Gauteng, 2028 Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - A. Moretti
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production, CNR, Via Amendola 122/o, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - M. Mwamuye
- Institute of Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität, Robert-von-Ostertag-Str. 7-13, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - S. Okoth
- School of Biological Sciences-University of Nairobi, Riverside Drive, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya
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12
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Zhang H, Wei TP, Li LZ, Luo MY, Jia WY, Zeng Y, Jiang YL, Tao GC. Multigene Phylogeny, Diversity and Antimicrobial Potential of Endophytic Sordariomycetes From Rosa roxburghii. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:755919. [PMID: 34912312 PMCID: PMC8667620 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.755919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Rosa roxburghii Tratt. is widely applied in food, cosmetics, and traditional medicine, and has been demonstrated to possess diverse bioactivities. Plant endophytic fungi are important microbial resources with great potential for application in many fields. They not only establish mutualistic symbiosis with host plants but also produce a variety of bioactive compounds. Therefore, in the present study, endophytic fungi were isolated from R. roxburghii, the diversity and antimicrobial activities were evaluated. As a result, 242 strains of endophytic Sordariomycetes were successfully isolated. Multigene phylogenetic analyses showed that these isolates included eight orders, 19 families, 33 genera. The dominant genera were Diaporthe (31.4%), Fusarium (14.4%), Chaetomium (7.9%), Dactylonectria (7.0%), Graphium (4.5%), Colletotrichum (4.1%), and Clonostachys (4.1%). For different tissues of R. roxburghii, alpha diversity analysis revealed that the diversity of fungal communities decreased in the order of root, fruit, stem, flower, leaf, and seed, and Clonostachys and Dactylonectria exhibited obvious tissue specificity. Meanwhile, functional annotation of 33 genera indicated that some fungi have multitrophic lifestyles combining endophytic, pathogenic, and saprophytic behavior. Additionally, antimicrobial activities of endophytic Sordariomycetes against Lasiodiplodia theobromae, Botryosphaeria dothidea, Colletotrichum capsici, Pyricularia oryzae, Rhizoctonia solani, Fusarium oxysporum, Pseudomonas syringae, Pantoea agglomerans, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were screened. Dual culture test assays showed that there were 40 different endophytic species with strong inhibition of at least one or moderate inhibition of two or more against the 12 tested strains. The results from the filter paper diffusion method suggested that extracellular metabolites may be more advantageous than intracellular metabolites in the development of antimicrobial agents. Eleven isolates with good activities were screened. In particular, Hypomontagnella monticulosa HGUP194009 and Nigrospora sphaerica HGUP191020 have shown promise in both broad-spectrum and intensity. Finally, some fungi that commonly cause disease have been observed to have beneficial biological activities as endophytic fungi. In conclusion, this study showed the species composition, alpha diversity, and lifestyle diversity of endophytic Sordariomycetes from R. roxburghii and demonstrated these isolates are potential sources for exploring antimicrobial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Zhang
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China.,Guizhou Academy of Testing and Analysis, Guiyang, China
| | - Tian-Peng Wei
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Lin-Zhu Li
- Guizhou Academy of Testing and Analysis, Guiyang, China
| | - Ming-Yan Luo
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Wei-Yu Jia
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Yan Zeng
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Yu-Lan Jiang
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Guang-Can Tao
- Guizhou Academy of Testing and Analysis, Guiyang, China.,Food Safety and Nutrition (Guizhou) Information Technology Co., Ltd., Guiyang National High-Tech Industrial Development Zone, Guiyang, China
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13
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Kagot V, De Boevre M, Landschoot S, Obiero G, Okoth S, De Saeger S. Comprehensive analysis of multiple mycotoxins and Aspergillus flavus metabolites in maize from Kenyan households. Int J Food Microbiol 2021; 363:109502. [PMID: 34952410 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2021.109502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This study assessed the levels of mycotoxins in maize from Kenyan households. Further, local open pollinated maize varieties were compared with commercial hybrids to evaluate which variety is less susceptible to mycotoxin contamination. Four hundred and eighty (n = 480) maize samples were collected in the years 2018-2020 from households in Eastern, Western, Coastal and Lake Victoria regions of Kenya. Liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry was used to detect and quantify 22 mycotoxins, along with 31 Aspergillus flavus metabolites in the samples. Eastern Kenya had the highest aflatoxin (AF) contamination with 75% of samples having AF levels above the Kenyan regulatory limits (10 μg/kg), the highest concentration was 558.1 μg/kg. In Western Kenya, only 18% of samples had concentration levels above the Kenyan regulatory limits for AF with highest sample having 73.3 μg/kg. The Lake Victoria region had the most fumonisins (F) contamination, with 53% of the samples having fumonisin B1 (FB1) < 1000 μg/kg. However, only 20% of the samples surpassed the Kenyan regulatory limit for total fumonisins (2000 μg/kg) with the highest concentration being 13,022 μg/kg. In addition, 21.6% of samples from the Lake Victoria region had zearalenone (ZEN) and deoxynivalenol (DON) above regulatory limits for European countries (1000 μg/kg). Western region had the least A. flavus metabolites contamination (18%) while the Eastern region had the highest incidence of A. flavus metabolites (81%). Among the A. flavus metabolites, cyclopiazonic acid (CPA), beta-cyclopiazonic acid (β CPA), flavacol (FLV) and methylcitreo-isocoumarin (MIC) positively correlated with each other but negatively correlated with the other metabolites. Significant positive co-occurrence was also noted among Fusarium mycotoxins: nivalenol (NIV) positively correlated with DON (r = 0.81), fusarenon-X (FX) (r = 0.81) and ZEN (r = 0.70). Negative correlations were observed between Aspergillus and Fusarium mycotoxins: aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) negatively correlated with FB1 (r = -0.11), FX (r = -0.17) and ZEN (r = -0.20). Local open-pollinated maize varieties (L-opv) were less susceptible to mycotoxin contamination compared to the commercial hybrids (C-hy). This study reveals that Kenyan maize is contaminated with multiple mycotoxins most of which are not regulated in Kenya despite being regulated in other parts of the world. A comprehensive legislation should therefore be put in place to protect the Kenyan public against chronic exposure to these mycotoxins. In addition to high yield, there is a need for commercial hybrid maize breeders to incorporate mycotoxin resistance as an important trait in germplasm improvement in seeds production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Kagot
- Centre of Excellence in Mycotoxicology & Public Health, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Centre for Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Marthe De Boevre
- Centre of Excellence in Mycotoxicology & Public Health, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sofie Landschoot
- Department of Plant and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - George Obiero
- Centre for Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Sheila Okoth
- School of Biological sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Sarah De Saeger
- Centre of Excellence in Mycotoxicology & Public Health, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Faculty of Science, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein Campus, Gauteng, Johannesburg, South Africa..
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14
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Fusarium verticillioides and Aspergillus flavus Co-Occurrence Influences Plant and Fungal Transcriptional Profiles in Maize Kernels and In Vitro. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13100680. [PMID: 34678972 PMCID: PMC8537323 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13100680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Climate change will increase the co-occurrence of Fusarium verticillioides and Aspergillus flavus, along with their mycotoxins, in European maize. In this study, the expression profiles of two pathogenesis-related (PR) genes and four mycotoxin biosynthetic genes, FUM1 and FUM13, fumonisin pathway, and aflR and aflD, aflatoxin pathway, as well as mycotoxin production, were examined in kernels and in artificial medium after a single inoculation with F. verticillioides or A. flavus or with the two fungi in combination. Different temperature regimes (20, 25 and 30 °C) over a time-course of 21 days were also considered. In maize kernels, PR genes showed the strongest induction at 25 °C in the earlier days post inoculation (dpi)with both fungi inoculated singularly. A similar behaviour was maintained with fungi co-occurrence, but with enhanced defence response at 9 dpi under 20 °C. Regarding FUM genes, in the kernels inoculated with F. verticillioides the maximal transcript levels occurred at 6 dpi at 25 °C. At this temperature regime, expression values decreased with the co-occurrence of A. flavus, where the highest gene induction was detected at 20 °C. Similar results were observed in fungi grown in vitro, whilst A. flavus presence determined lower levels of expression along the entire time-course. As concerns afl genes, considering both A. flavus alone and in combination, the most elevated transcript accumulation occurred at 30 °C during all time-course both in infected kernels and in fungi grown in vitro. Regarding mycotoxin production, no significant differences were found among temperatures for kernel contamination, whereas in vitro the highest production was registered at 25 °C for aflatoxin B1 and at 20 °C for fumonisins in the case of single inoculation. In fungal co-occurrence, both mycotoxins resulted reduced at all the temperatures considered compared to the amount produced with single inoculation.
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15
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Anugwom CM, Allaire M, Akbar SMF, Sultan A, Bollipo S, Mattos AZ, Debes JD. Hepatitis B-related hepatocellular carcinoma: surveillance strategy directed by immune-epidemiology. HEPATOMA RESEARCH 2021; 7. [PMID: 33884303 PMCID: PMC8057710 DOI: 10.20517/2394-5079.2021.06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B infection (HBV) is one of the most common causes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide. The age of occurrence, prognosis and incidence vary dramatically depending on the region of the world. This geographic variation is largely dependent on the contrasting incidence of HBV, age of transmission of the virus, the timing of integration into the human genome, and different HBV genotypes, as well as environmental factors. It results in a wide difference in viral interaction with the immune system, genomic modulation and the consequent development of HCC in an individual. In this review, we describe many factors implicated in HCC development, provide insight regarding at-risk populations and explain societal recommendations for HCC surveillance in persons living with HBV in different continents of the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chimaobi M Anugwom
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis 55455, USA
| | - Manon Allaire
- Sorbonne Université, Service d'Hépatologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires Pitié Salpêtrière - Charles Foix, AP-HP, Paris 75103, France.,Inserm U1149, Centre de Recherche sur l'Inflammation, France Faculté de Médecine, Xavier Bichat, Université Paris Diderot, Paris 75108, France
| | - Sheikh Mohammad Fazle Akbar
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon 791-0295, Japan
| | - Amir Sultan
- College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa 5657, Ethiopia
| | - Steven Bollipo
- Department of Gastroenterology, John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, Australia & School of Medicine & Public Health, University of Newcastle, New South Wales 2310, Australia
| | - Angelo Z Mattos
- Graduate Program in Medicine: Hepatology, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre 90050-170, Brazil.,Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Irmandade Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Porto Alegre 90020-090, Brazil
| | - Jose D Debes
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis 55455, USA.,Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.,Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam 3015-CE, Netherlands
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16
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Kibugu J, Mdachi R, Munga L, Mburu D, Whitaker T, Huynh TP, Grace D, Lindahl JF. Improved Sample Selection and Preparation Methods for Sampling Plans Used to Facilitate Rapid and Reliable Estimation of Aflatoxin in Chicken Feed. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:216. [PMID: 33809813 PMCID: PMC8002447 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13030216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), a toxic fungal metabolite associated with human and animal diseases, is a natural contaminant encountered in agricultural commodities, food and feed. Heterogeneity of AFB1 makes risk estimation a challenge. To overcome this, novel sample selection, preparation and extraction steps were designed for representative sampling of chicken feed. Accuracy, precision, limits of detection and quantification, linearity, robustness and ruggedness were used as performance criteria to validate this modification and Horwitz function for evaluating precision. A modified sampling protocol that ensured representativeness is documented, including sample selection, sampling tools, random procedures, minimum size of field-collected aggregate samples (primary sampling), procedures for mass reduction to 2 kg laboratory (secondary sampling), 25 g test portion (tertiary sampling) and 1.3 g analytical samples (quaternary sampling). The improved coning and quartering procedure described herein (for secondary and tertiary sampling) has acceptable precision, with a Horwitz ratio (HorRat = 0.3) suitable for splitting of 25 g feed aliquots from laboratory samples (tertiary sampling). The water slurring innovation (quaternary sampling) increased aflatoxin extraction efficiency to 95.1% through reduction of both bias (-4.95) and variability of recovery (1.2-1.4) and improved both intra-laboratory precision (HorRat = 1.2-1.5) and within-laboratory reproducibility (HorRat = 0.9-1.3). Optimal extraction conditions are documented. The improved procedure showed satisfactory performance, good field applicability and reduced sample analysis turnaround time.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Kibugu
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, P.O. Box 362, Kikuyu 00902, Kenya;
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology, School of Pure and Applied Sciences, Kenyatta University, P.O. Box 43844, Nairobi 00100, Kenya;
| | - Raymond Mdachi
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, P.O. Box 362, Kikuyu 00902, Kenya;
| | - Leonard Munga
- Department of Animal Science, School of Agriculture and Enterprise Development, Kenyatta University, P.O. Box 43844, Nairobi 00100, Kenya;
| | - David Mburu
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology, School of Pure and Applied Sciences, Kenyatta University, P.O. Box 43844, Nairobi 00100, Kenya;
| | - Thomas Whitaker
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, North Carolina State University, Box 7625, Raleigh, NC 27695-7625, USA;
| | | | - Delia Grace
- Department of Biosciences, International Livestock Research Institute, P.O. Box 30709, Nairobi 00100, Kenya; (D.G.); (J.F.L.)
| | - Johanna F. Lindahl
- Department of Biosciences, International Livestock Research Institute, P.O. Box 30709, Nairobi 00100, Kenya; (D.G.); (J.F.L.)
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 75007 Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, 75123 Uppsala, Sweden
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17
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Abstract
Aflatoxins are endemic in Kenya. The 2004 outbreak of acute aflatoxicosis in the country was one of the unprecedented epidemics of human aflatoxin poisoning recorded in mycotoxin history. In this study, an elaborate review was performed to synthesize Kenya’s major findings in relation to aflatoxins, their prevalence, detection, quantification, exposure assessment, prevention, and management in various matrices. Data retrieved indicate that the toxins are primarily biosynthesized by Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus, with the eastern part of the country reportedly more aflatoxin-prone. Aflatoxins have been reported in maize and maize products (Busaa, chan’gaa, githeri, irio, muthokoi, uji, and ugali), peanuts and its products, rice, cassava, sorghum, millet, yams, beers, dried fish, animal feeds, dairy and herbal products, and sometimes in tandem with other mycotoxins. The highest total aflatoxin concentration of 58,000 μg/kg has been reported in maize. At least 500 acute human illnesses and 200 deaths due to aflatoxins have been reported. The causes and prevalence of aflatoxins have been grossly ascribed to poor agronomic practices, low education levels, and inadequate statutory regulation and sensitization. Low diet diversity has aggravated exposure to aflatoxins in Kenya because maize as a dietetic staple is aflatoxin-prone. Detection and surveillance are only barely adequate, though some exposure assessments have been conducted. There is a need to widen diet diversity as a measure of reducing exposure due to consumption of aflatoxin-contaminated foods.
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