1
|
Li Y, Yu H, Liu D, Luo S, Gao X, Zhang L, Sun J. Aflatoxins in dried chilli products in Gansu Province and health risk. FOOD ADDITIVES & CONTAMINANTS. PART B, SURVEILLANCE 2024:1-8. [PMID: 39229719 DOI: 10.1080/19393210.2024.2386281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024]
Abstract
In order to understand the status of aflatoxin contamination in dried chilli products in Gansu Province and the risk of dietary exposure, a total of 106 samples of dried chilli products from farmers' markets and supermarkets in 14 prefecture-cities of Gansu Province were collected and analysed by isotope dilution liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The results showed that the detection rate of aflatoxin in dried chilli products in Gansu Province was 30.2%, and the average level was 1.57 μg/kg. The detection rates of dried chillies, paprika, and chilli powders were 16.7%, 43.6%, and 46.2%, respectively. The detection rates of aflatoxin in dried chilli products from shops and farmers' markets were 22.5% and 40.0%, respectively. The dietary exposure of AFB1 was 0.0001 μg/kg bw/day, and the MOE calculated from its average concentration was 305.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yongjun Li
- Gansu Provincial Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Haiying Yu
- School of Public Health, Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Deng Liu
- School of Public Health, Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Shan Luo
- Gansu Provincial Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiangna Gao
- Gansu Provincial Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Gansu Provincial Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianyun Sun
- Gansu Provincial Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Moore GG, Mack BM, Wendt KL, Castano-Duque L, Anderson VM, Cichewicz RH. Genomic and metabolomic diversity within a familial population of Aspergillus flavus. Mol Microbiol 2024; 121:927-939. [PMID: 38396382 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.15244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Aspergillus flavus is an agriculturally significant micro-fungus having potential to contaminate food and feed crops with toxic secondary metabolites such as aflatoxin (AF) and cyclopiazonic acid (CPA). Research has shown A. flavus strains can overcome heterokaryon incompatibility and undergo meiotic recombination as teleomorphs. Although evidence of recombination in the AF gene cluster has been reported, the impacts of recombination on genotype and metabolomic phenotype in a single generation are lacking. In previous studies, we paired an aflatoxigenic MAT1-1 A. flavus strain with a non-aflatoxigenic MAT1-2 A. flavus strain that had been tagged with green fluorescent protein and then 10 F1 progenies (a mix of fluorescent and non-fluorescent) were randomly selected from single-ascospore colonies and broadly examined for evidence of recombination. In this study, we determined four of those 10 F1 progenies were recombinants because they were not vegetatively compatible with either parent or their siblings, and they exhibited other distinctive traits that could only result from meiotic recombination. The other six progenies examined shared genomic identity with the non-aflatoxigenic, fluorescent, and MAT1-2 parent, but were metabolically distinct. This study highlights phenotypic and genomic changes that may occur in a single generation from the outcrossing of sexually compatible strains of A. flavus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Geromy G Moore
- Southern Regional Research Center, USDA-ARS, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Brian M Mack
- Southern Regional Research Center, USDA-ARS, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Karen L Wendt
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Natural Products Discovery Group, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Lina Castano-Duque
- Southern Regional Research Center, USDA-ARS, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Victoria M Anderson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Natural Products Discovery Group, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Robert H Cichewicz
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Natural Products Discovery Group, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Casu A, Camardo Leggieri M, Toscano P, Battilani P. Changing climate, shifting mycotoxins: A comprehensive review of climate change impact on mycotoxin contamination. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf 2024; 23:e13323. [PMID: 38477222 DOI: 10.1111/1541-4337.13323] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Climate change (CC) is a complex phenomenon that has the potential to significantly alter marine, terrestrial, and freshwater ecosystems worldwide. Global warming of 2°C is expected to be exceeded during the 21st century, and the frequency of extreme weather events, including floods, storms, droughts, extreme temperatures, and wildfires, has intensified globally over recent decades, differently affecting areas of the world. How CC may impact multiple food safety hazards is increasingly evident, with mycotoxin contamination in particular gaining in prominence. Research focusing on CC effects on mycotoxin contamination in edible crops has developed considerably throughout the years. Therefore, we conducted a comprehensive literature search to collect available studies in the scientific literature published between 2000 and 2023. The selected papers highlighted how warmer temperatures are enabling the migration, introduction, and mounting abundance of thermophilic and thermotolerant fungal species, including those producing mycotoxins. Certain mycotoxigenic fungal species, such as Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium graminearum, are expected to readily acclimatize to new conditions and could become more aggressive pathogens. Furthermore, abiotic stress factors resulting from CC are expected to weaken the resistance of host crops, rendering them more vulnerable to fungal disease outbreaks. Changed interactions of mycotoxigenic fungi are likewise expected, with the effect of influencing the prevalence and co-occurrence of mycotoxins in the future. Looking ahead, future research should focus on improving predictive modeling, expanding research into different pathosystems, and facilitating the application of effective strategies to mitigate the impact of CC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Casu
- Department of Sustainable Crop Production, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Marco Camardo Leggieri
- Department of Sustainable Crop Production, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Piero Toscano
- IBE-CNR, Institute of BioEconomy-National Research Council, Firenze, Italia
| | - Paola Battilani
- Department of Sustainable Crop Production, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Piacenza, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Chang PK. Creating large chromosomal segment deletions in Aspergillus flavus by a dual CRISPR/Cas9 system: Deletion of gene clusters for production of aflatoxin, cyclopiazonic acid, and ustiloxin B. Fungal Genet Biol 2024; 170:103863. [PMID: 38154756 DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2023.103863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Aspergillus flavus produces hepatocarcinogenic aflatoxin that adversely impacts human and animal health and international trade. A promising means to manage preharvest aflatoxin contamination of crops is biological control, which employs non-aflatoxigenic A. flavus isolates possessing defective aflatoxin gene clusters to outcompete field toxigenic populations. However, these isolates often produce other toxic metabolites. The CRISPR/Cas9 technology has greatly advanced genome editing and gene functional studies. Its use in deleting large chromosomal segments of filamentous fungi is rarely reported. A system of dual CRISPR/Cas9 combined with a 60-nucleotide donor DNA that allowed removal of A. flavus gene clusters involved in production of harmful specialized metabolites was established. It efficiently deleted a 102-kb segment containing both aflatoxin and cyclopiazonic acid gene clusters from toxigenic A. flavus morphotypes, L-type and S-type. It further deleted the 27-kb ustiloxin B gene cluster of a resulting L-type mutant. Overall efficiencies of deletion ranged from 66.6 % to 85.6 % and efficiencies of deletions repaired by a single copy of donor DNA ranged from 50.5 % to 72.7 %. To determine the capacity of this technique, a pigment-screening setup based on absence of aspergillic acid gene cluster was devised. Chromosomal segments of 201 kb and 301 kb were deleted with efficiencies of 57.7 % to 69.2 %, respectively. This system used natural A. flavus isolates as recipients, eliminated a forced-recycling step to produce recipients for next round deletion, and generated maker-free deletants with sequences predefined by donor DNA. The research provides a method for creating genuine atoxigenic biocontrol strains friendly for field trial release.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Perng-Kuang Chang
- Southern Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, U. S. Department of Agriculture, 1100 Allen Toussaint Boulevard, New Orleans, LA 70124, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bossa M, Alaniz-Zanon MS, Monesterolo NE, Monge MDP, Coria YM, Chulze SN, Chiotta ML. Aflatoxin Decontamination in Maize Steep Liquor Obtained from Bioethanol Production Using Laccases from Species within the Basidiomycota Phylum. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:27. [PMID: 38251243 PMCID: PMC10819231 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16010027] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Maize (Zea mays L.) is an important crop in Argentina. Aspergillus section Flavi can infect this crop at the pre-harvest stage, and the harvested grains can be contaminated with aflatoxins (AFs). During the production of bioethanol from maize, AF levels can increase up to three times in the final co-products, known as, dry and wet distiller's grain with solubles (DDGS and WDGS), intended for animal feed. Fungal enzymes like laccases can be a useful tool for reducing AF contamination in the co-products obtained from this process. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the ability of laccase enzymes included in enzymatic extracts (EE) produced by different species in the Basidiomycota phylum to reduce AF (AFB1 and AFB2) accumulation under the conditions of in vitro assays. Four laccase activities (5, 10, 15, and 20 U/mL) exerted by nine isolates were evaluated in the absence and presence of vanillic acid (VA), serving as a laccase redox mediator for the degradation of total AFs. The enzymatic stability in maize steep liquor (MSL) was confirmed after a 60 h incubation period. The most effective EE in terms of reducing AF content in the buffer was selected for an additional assay carried out under the same conditions using maize steep liquor obtained after the saccharification stage during the bioethanol production process. The highest degradation percentages were observed at 20 U/mL of laccase enzymatic activity and 1 mM of VA, corresponding to 26% for AFB1 and 26.6% for AFB2. The present study provides valuable data for the development of an efficient tool based on fungal laccases for preventing AF accumulation in the co-products of bioethanol produced from maize used for animal feed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marianela Bossa
- Instituto de Investigación en Micología y Micotoxicología (IMICO), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)—Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto (UNRC), Ruta Nacional 36 Km 601, Río Cuarto 5800, Córdoba, Argentina; (M.B.); (M.S.A.-Z.); (M.d.P.M.); (Y.M.C.); (S.N.C.)
| | - María Silvina Alaniz-Zanon
- Instituto de Investigación en Micología y Micotoxicología (IMICO), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)—Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto (UNRC), Ruta Nacional 36 Km 601, Río Cuarto 5800, Córdoba, Argentina; (M.B.); (M.S.A.-Z.); (M.d.P.M.); (Y.M.C.); (S.N.C.)
| | - Noelia Edith Monesterolo
- Instituto de Biotecnología Ambiental y de la Salud (INBIAS), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)—Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto (UNRC), Ruta Nacional 36 Km 601, Río Cuarto 5800, Córdoba, Argentina;
| | - María del Pilar Monge
- Instituto de Investigación en Micología y Micotoxicología (IMICO), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)—Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto (UNRC), Ruta Nacional 36 Km 601, Río Cuarto 5800, Córdoba, Argentina; (M.B.); (M.S.A.-Z.); (M.d.P.M.); (Y.M.C.); (S.N.C.)
| | - Yamila Milagros Coria
- Instituto de Investigación en Micología y Micotoxicología (IMICO), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)—Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto (UNRC), Ruta Nacional 36 Km 601, Río Cuarto 5800, Córdoba, Argentina; (M.B.); (M.S.A.-Z.); (M.d.P.M.); (Y.M.C.); (S.N.C.)
| | - Sofía Noemí Chulze
- Instituto de Investigación en Micología y Micotoxicología (IMICO), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)—Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto (UNRC), Ruta Nacional 36 Km 601, Río Cuarto 5800, Córdoba, Argentina; (M.B.); (M.S.A.-Z.); (M.d.P.M.); (Y.M.C.); (S.N.C.)
| | - María Laura Chiotta
- Instituto de Investigación en Micología y Micotoxicología (IMICO), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)—Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto (UNRC), Ruta Nacional 36 Km 601, Río Cuarto 5800, Córdoba, Argentina; (M.B.); (M.S.A.-Z.); (M.d.P.M.); (Y.M.C.); (S.N.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Moore GG, Chalivendra S, Mack BM, Gilbert MK, Cary JW, Rajasekaran K. Microbiota of maize kernels as influenced by Aspergillus flavus infection in susceptible and resistant inbreds. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1291284. [PMID: 38029119 PMCID: PMC10657875 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1291284] [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: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Nearly everything on Earth harbors a microbiome. A microbiome is a community of microbes (bacteria, fungi, and viruses) with potential to form complex networks that involve mutualistic and antagonistic interactions. Resident microbiota on/in an organism are determined by the external environment, both biotic and abiotic, and the intrinsic adaptability of each organism. Although the maize microbiome has been characterized, community changes that result from the application of fungal biocontrol strains, such as non-aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus, have not. Methods We silk channel inoculated field-grown maize separately with a non-aflatoxigenic biocontrol strain (K49), a highly toxigenic strain (Tox4), and a combination of both A. flavus strains. Two maize inbreds were treated, A. flavus-susceptible B73 and A. flavus-resistant CML322. We then assessed the impacts of A. flavus introduction on the epibiota and endobiota of their maize kernels. Results We found that the native microbial communities were significantly affected, irrespective of genotype or sampled tissue. Overall, bacteriomes exhibited greater diversity of genera than mycobiomes. The abundance of certain genera was unchanged by treatment, including genera of bacteria (e.g., Enterobacter, Pantoea) and fungi (e.g., Sarocladium, Meyerozyma) that are known to be beneficial, antagonistic, or both on plant growth and health. Conclusion Beneficial microbes like Sarocladium that responded well to A. flavus biocontrol strains are expected to enhance biocontrol efficacy, while also displacing/antagonizing harmful microbes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Geromy G. Moore
- Southern Regional Research Center, USDA-ARS, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Subbaiah Chalivendra
- Department of Plant Pathology and Crop Physiology, College of Agriculture, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Brian M. Mack
- Southern Regional Research Center, USDA-ARS, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Matthew K. Gilbert
- Southern Regional Research Center, USDA-ARS, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Jeffrey W. Cary
- Southern Regional Research Center, USDA-ARS, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Alameri MM, Kong ASY, Aljaafari MN, Ali HA, Eid K, Sallagi MA, Cheng WH, Abushelaibi A, Lim SHE, Loh JY, Lai KS. Aflatoxin Contamination: An Overview on Health Issues, Detection and Management Strategies. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:toxins15040246. [PMID: 37104184 PMCID: PMC10140874 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15040246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Aflatoxins (AFs) represent one of the main mycotoxins produced by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, with the most prevalent and lethal subtypes being AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, and AFG2. AFs are responsible for causing significant public health issues and economic concerns that affect consumers and farmers globally. Chronic exposure to AFs has been linked to liver cancer, oxidative stress, and fetal growth abnormalities among other health-related risks. Although there are various technologies, such as physical, chemical, and biological controls that have been employed to alleviate the toxic effects of AF, there is still no clearly elucidated universal method available to reduce AF levels in food and feed; the only mitigation is early detection of the toxin in the management of AF contamination. Numerous detection methods, including cultures, molecular techniques, immunochemical, electrochemical immunosensor, chromatographic, and spectroscopic means, are used to determine AF contamination in agricultural products. Recent research has shown that incorporating crops with higher resistance, such as sorghum, into animal feed can reduce the risk of AF contamination in milk and cheese. This review provides a current overview of the health-related risks of chronic dietary AF exposure, recent detection techniques, and management strategies to guide future researchers in developing better detection and management strategies for this toxin.
Collapse
|
8
|
Vlajkov V, Pajčin I, Loc M, Budakov D, Dodić J, Grahovac M, Grahovac J. The Effect of Cultivation Conditions on Antifungal and Maize Seed Germination Activity of Bacillus-Based Biocontrol Agent. BIOENGINEERING (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:bioengineering9120797. [PMID: 36551004 PMCID: PMC9774550 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering9120797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Aflatoxin contamination is a global risk and a concerning problem threatening food safety. The biotechnological answer lies in the production of biocontrol agents that are effective against aflatoxins producers. In addition to their biocontrol effect, microbial-based products are recognized as efficient biosolutions for plant nutrition and growth promotion. The present study addresses the characterization of the representative of Phaseolus vulgaris rhizosphere microbiome, Bacillus sp. BioSol021, regarding plant growth promotion traits, including the activity of protease, cellulase, xylanase, and pectinase with the enzymatic activity index values 1.06, 2.04, 2.41, and 3.51, respectively. The potential for the wider commercialization of this kind of product is determined by the possibility of developing a scalable bioprocess solution suitable for technology transfer to an industrial scale. Therefore, the study addresses one of the most challenging steps in bioprocess development, including the production scale-up from the Erlenmeyer flask to the laboratory bioreactor. The results indicated the influence of the key bioprocess parameters on the dual mechanism of action of biocontrol effects against the aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus, as well on maize seed germination activity, pointing out the positive impact of high aeration intensity and agitation rate, resulting in inhibition zone diameters of 60 mm, a root length 96 mm, and a shoot length 27 mm.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vanja Vlajkov
- Faculty of Technology Novi Sad, University of Novi Sad, Bulevar cara Lazara 1, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
- Correspondence: (V.V.); (J.G.)
| | - Ivana Pajčin
- Faculty of Technology Novi Sad, University of Novi Sad, Bulevar cara Lazara 1, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Marta Loc
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 8, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Dragana Budakov
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 8, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Jelena Dodić
- Faculty of Technology Novi Sad, University of Novi Sad, Bulevar cara Lazara 1, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Mila Grahovac
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 8, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Jovana Grahovac
- Faculty of Technology Novi Sad, University of Novi Sad, Bulevar cara Lazara 1, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
- Correspondence: (V.V.); (J.G.)
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Dmitrović S, Pajčin I, Vlajkov V, Grahovac M, Jokić A, Grahovac J. Dairy and Wine Industry Effluents as Alternative Media for the Production of Bacillus-Based Biocontrol Agents. Bioengineering (Basel) 2022; 9:663. [PMID: 36354577 PMCID: PMC9687624 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering9110663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Food industry effluents represent one of the major concerns when it comes to environmental impact; hence, their valorization through different chemical and biological routes has been suggested as a possible solution. The vast amount of organic and inorganic nutrients present in food industry effluents makes them suitable substrates for microbial growth. This study suggests two valorization routes for whey as dairy industry effluent and flotation wastewater from the wine industry through microbial conversion to biocontrol agents as value-added products. Cultivations of the biocontrol strain Bacillus sp. BioSol021 were performed in a 16 L bioreactor to monitor the bioprocess course and investigate bioprocess kinetics in terms of microbial growth, sugar substrate consumption and surfactin synthesis, as an antimicrobial lipopeptide. The produced biocontrol agents showed high levels of biocontrol activity against mycotoxigenic strains of Aspergillus flavus, followed by a significant reduction of sugar load of the investigated effluents by the producing microorganisms. With proven high potential of whey and winery flotation wastewater to be used as substrates for microbial growth, this study provides grounds for further optimization of the suggested valorization routes, mostly in terms of bioprocess conditions to achieve maximal techno-economical feasibility, energy saving and maximal reduction of effluents' organic and inorganic burden.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Selena Dmitrović
- Faculty of Technology Novi Sad, University of Novi Sad, Bulevar Cara Lazara 1, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Ivana Pajčin
- Faculty of Technology Novi Sad, University of Novi Sad, Bulevar Cara Lazara 1, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Vanja Vlajkov
- Faculty of Technology Novi Sad, University of Novi Sad, Bulevar Cara Lazara 1, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Mila Grahovac
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 8, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Aleksandar Jokić
- Faculty of Technology Novi Sad, University of Novi Sad, Bulevar Cara Lazara 1, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Jovana Grahovac
- Faculty of Technology Novi Sad, University of Novi Sad, Bulevar Cara Lazara 1, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Pre-harvest strategy for reducing aflatoxin accumulation during storage of maize in Argentina. Int J Food Microbiol 2022; 380:109887. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2022.109887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
|
11
|
Application of Non-Aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus for the Biological Control of Aflatoxin Contamination in China. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14100681. [PMID: 36287950 PMCID: PMC9611986 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14100681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological control through the application of competitive non-aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus) to the soil during peanut growth is a practical method for controlling aflatoxin contamination. However, appropriate materials need to be found to reduce the cost of biocontrol products. In this study, a two-year experiment was conducted under field conditions in China, using a native non-aflatoxigenic strain to explore its effect. After three months of storage under high humidity, aflatoxin levels remained low in peanuts from fields treated with the biocontrol agent. Three types of substrates were tested with the biocontrol agent: rice grains, peanut meal (peanut meal fertilizer) and peanut coating. Compared to untreated fields, these formulations resulted in reductions of 78.23%, 67.54% and 38.48%, respectively. Furthermore, the ratios of non-aflatoxigenic A. flavus recovered in the soils at harvest in the treated fields were between 41.11% and 96.67% higher than that in untreated fields (25.00%), indicating that the rice inoculum was the most effective, followed by the peanut meal fertilizer and peanut coating. In 2019, the mean aflatoxin content of freshly harvested peanuts in untreated fields was 19.35 µg/kg higher than that in the fields treated with 7.5 kg/ha rice inoculum, which was 1.37 µg/kg. Moreover, no aflatoxin was detected in the two other plots treated with 10 and 15 kg/ha rice inoculum. This study showed that the native Chinese non-aflatoxigenic strain of A. flavus (18PAsp-zy1) had the potential to reduce aflatoxin contamination in peanuts. In addition, peanut meal can be used as an alternative substrate to replace traditional grains, reducing the cost of biocontrol products.
Collapse
|
12
|
Ola OT, Ogedengbe OO, Raji TM, Eze B, Chama M, Ilori ON, Awofisayo MA, Kaptoge L, Bandyopadhyay R, Ortega-Beltran A, Ndarubu AA. Aflatoxin biocontrol effectiveness in the real world—Private sector-led efforts to manage aflatoxins in Nigeria through biocontrol-centered strategies. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:977789. [PMID: 36118233 PMCID: PMC9478371 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.977789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aflatoxins are toxic compounds produced by several Aspergillus species that contaminate various crops. The impact of aflatoxin on the health of humans and livestock is a concern across the globe. Income, trade, and development sectors are affected as well. There are several technologies to prevent aflatoxin contamination but there are difficulties in having farmers use them. In Nigeria, an aflatoxin biocontrol product containing atoxigenic isolates of A. flavus has been registered with regulatory authorities and is now being produced at scale by the private company Harvestfield Industries Limited (HIL). The current study reports results of biocontrol effectiveness trials in maize conducted by HIL during 2020 in several locations across Nigeria and compared to untreated maize from nearby locations. Also, maize was collected from open markets to assess levels of contamination. All treated maize met tolerance thresholds (i.e., <4 ppb total aflatoxin). In contrast, most maize from untreated fields had a higher risk of aflatoxin contamination, with some areas averaging 38.5 ppb total aflatoxin. Maize from open markets had aflatoxin above tolerance thresholds with even an average of up to 90.3 ppb. Results from the trials were presented in a National Workshop attended by key officers of Government agencies, farmer organizations, the private sector, NGOs, and donors. Overall, we report (i) efforts spearheaded by the private sector to have aflatoxin management strategies used at scale in Nigeria, and (ii) deliberations of key stakeholders to ensure the safety of crops produced in Nigeria for the benefit of farmers, consumers, and industries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- O. T. Ola
- Harvestfield Industries Limited, Lagos, Nigeria
| | | | - T. M. Raji
- Harvestfield Industries Limited, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - B. Eze
- Harvestfield Industries Limited, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - M. Chama
- Harvestfield Industries Limited, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - O. N. Ilori
- Harvestfield Industries Limited, Lagos, Nigeria
| | | | - L. Kaptoge
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - R. Bandyopadhyay
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | | | - A. A. Ndarubu
- Harvestfield Industries Limited, Lagos, Nigeria
- *Correspondence: A. A. Ndarubu,
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Mahuku G, Mauro A, Pallangyo B, Nsami E, Boni S, Koyano E, Mponda O, Ortega-Beltran A, Atehnkeng J, Aquiline F, Samuel R, Njela J, Cotty P, Bandyopadhyay R. Atoxigenic-based technology for biocontrol of aflatoxin in maize and groundnuts for Tanzania. WORLD MYCOTOXIN J 2022. [DOI: 10.3920/wmj2021.2758] [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
Application of biocontrol products containing atoxigenic isolates of Aspergillus flavus to reduce aflatoxin content in crops is an effective strategy for managing aflatoxin in several regions throughout the world. We report the development and validation of two aflatoxin biocontrol products, Aflasafe TZ01 and Aflasafe TZ02, for use in maize and groundnut in Tanzania, a country frequently affected by aflatoxin contamination. Each product contains four atoxigenic A. flavus genotypes native and widely distributed in Tanzania. Efficacy tests on maize and groundnut were conducted over two years and in four regions of Tanzania where aflatoxin contamination is prevalent. Application of both products significantly (P<0.05) reduced aflatoxin levels in maize and groundnut in both years and in all districts. No differences were observed in total Aspergillus section Flavi population in treated and untreated fields, revealing that application of the biocontrol products do not alter overall Aspergillus populations in the environment. The results indicate that both products are effective tools for aflatoxin mitigation in groundnut and maize. The products were officially registered in 2018. Currently, there are scale-out and-up efforts of aflatoxin biocontrol products in Tanzania through a private sector company that is making the products available to farmers. Protecting maize and groundnut from aflatoxin contamination in Tanzania can result in health, income, and trade benefits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G. Mahuku
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Eastern Africa Hub, Plot 25, Mwenge Coca-Cola Road, Mikocheni B, P.O. Box 34441, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - A. Mauro
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Eastern Africa Hub, Plot 25, Mwenge Coca-Cola Road, Mikocheni B, P.O. Box 34441, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - B. Pallangyo
- Plant Health Services, Ministry of Agriculture, P.O. Box 2182, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - E. Nsami
- National Biological Control Center, P.O. Box 30031, Kibaha, Tanzania
| | - S.B. Boni
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Eastern Africa Hub, Plot 25, Mwenge Coca-Cola Road, Mikocheni B, P.O. Box 34441, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- World Vegetable Center, Eastern and Southern Africa, P.O. Box 10, Duluti, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - E. Koyano
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Eastern Africa Hub, Plot 25, Mwenge Coca-Cola Road, Mikocheni B, P.O. Box 34441, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - O. Mponda
- Department of Research, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, P.O. Box 9192, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - A. Ortega-Beltran
- IITA Headquarters, PMB 5320, Oyo Road, Ibadan 200001, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - J. Atehnkeng
- IITA Headquarters, PMB 5320, Oyo Road, Ibadan 200001, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - F. Aquiline
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Eastern Africa Hub, Plot 25, Mwenge Coca-Cola Road, Mikocheni B, P.O. Box 34441, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - R. Samuel
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Eastern Africa Hub, Plot 25, Mwenge Coca-Cola Road, Mikocheni B, P.O. Box 34441, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - J. Njela
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Eastern Africa Hub, Plot 25, Mwenge Coca-Cola Road, Mikocheni B, P.O. Box 34441, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - P.J. Cotty
- USDA-ARS, 416 West Congress Street, Tucson, AZ 85701, USA
| | - R. Bandyopadhyay
- IITA Headquarters, PMB 5320, Oyo Road, Ibadan 200001, Oyo State, Nigeria
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Bilandžić N, Varga I, Varenina I, Solomun Kolanović B, Božić Luburić Đ, Đokić M, Sedak M, Cvetnić L, Cvetnić Ž. Seasonal Occurrence of Aflatoxin M1 in Raw Milk during a Five-Year Period in Croatia: Dietary Exposure and Risk Assessment. Foods 2022; 11:1959. [PMID: 35804774 PMCID: PMC9265853 DOI: 10.3390/foods11131959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This study's objective was to estimate the seasonal occurrence of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in cow's milk between winter 2016 and winter 2022 and to assess dietary exposure and risk assessment for the adult Croatian population. In total, 5817 cow milk samples were screened for AFM1 concentrations using the enzyme immunoassay assay (ELISA). For confirmation purposes of AFM1 concentration above the European Union maximum permitted level (MRL), ultra high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry was performed. In 94.7% of milk samples, AFM1 levels were below the detection limit (LOD) of the ELISA test. For 3.47% of samples, the AFM1 was between the LOD and MRL values. Only 1.87% of all samples exceeded the MRL. The mean value of elevated AFM1 in different seasons ranged between 59.2 ng/kg (autumn 2017) and 387.8 ng/kg (autumn 2021). The highest incidences of positive AFM1 were determined in autumn and winter and the maximum (6.4%) was in winter 2019/2020. The largest percentage of positive samples (69.7%) was found in central Croatia. The estimated daily intakes for positive samples ranged between 0.17 and 2.82 ng/kg body weight/day. Risk assessment indicated a high level of concern during autumn and winter, especially for consumers of large amounts of milk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nina Bilandžić
- Laboratory for Residue Control, Department of Veterinary Public Health, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska Cesta 143, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (I.V.); (I.V.); (B.S.K.); (Đ.B.L.); (M.Đ.); (M.S.)
| | - Ines Varga
- Laboratory for Residue Control, Department of Veterinary Public Health, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska Cesta 143, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (I.V.); (I.V.); (B.S.K.); (Đ.B.L.); (M.Đ.); (M.S.)
| | - Ivana Varenina
- Laboratory for Residue Control, Department of Veterinary Public Health, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska Cesta 143, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (I.V.); (I.V.); (B.S.K.); (Đ.B.L.); (M.Đ.); (M.S.)
| | - Božica Solomun Kolanović
- Laboratory for Residue Control, Department of Veterinary Public Health, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska Cesta 143, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (I.V.); (I.V.); (B.S.K.); (Đ.B.L.); (M.Đ.); (M.S.)
| | - Đurđica Božić Luburić
- Laboratory for Residue Control, Department of Veterinary Public Health, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska Cesta 143, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (I.V.); (I.V.); (B.S.K.); (Đ.B.L.); (M.Đ.); (M.S.)
| | - Maja Đokić
- Laboratory for Residue Control, Department of Veterinary Public Health, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska Cesta 143, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (I.V.); (I.V.); (B.S.K.); (Đ.B.L.); (M.Đ.); (M.S.)
| | - Marija Sedak
- Laboratory for Residue Control, Department of Veterinary Public Health, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska Cesta 143, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (I.V.); (I.V.); (B.S.K.); (Đ.B.L.); (M.Đ.); (M.S.)
| | - Luka Cvetnić
- Laboratory for Mastitis and Raw Milk Quality, Department for Bacteriology and Parasitology, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska Cesta 143, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Željko Cvetnić
- Croatian Veterinary Institute, Veterinary Institute Križevci, Zakmardijeva 10, 48260 Križevci, Croatia;
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
|
16
|
Inhibition of Aspergillus flavus Growth and Aflatoxin Production in Zea mays L. Using Endophytic Aspergillus fumigatus. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8050482. [PMID: 35628738 PMCID: PMC9146429 DOI: 10.3390/jof8050482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus flavus infection of vegetative tissues can affect the development and integrity of the plant and poses dangerous risks on human and animal health. Thus, safe and easily applied approaches are employed to inhibit A. flavus growth. To this end, the fungal endophyte, i.e., Aspergillus fumigatus, was used as a safe biocontrol agent to reduce the growth of A. flavus and its infection in maize seedlings. Interestingly, the safe endophytic A. fumigatus exhibited antifungal activity (e.g., 77% of growth inhibition) against A. flavus. It also reduced the creation of aflatoxins, particularly aflatoxin B1 (AFB1, 90.9%). At plant level, maize seedling growth, leaves and root anatomy and the changes in redox status were estimated. Infected seeds treated with A. fumigatus significantly improved the germination rate by 88.53%. The ultrastructure of the infected leaves showed severe disturbances in the internal structures, such as lack of differentiation in cells, cracking, and lysis in the cell wall and destruction in the nucleus semi-lysis of chloroplasts. Ultrastructure observations indicated that A. fumigatus treatment increased maize (leaf and root) cell wall thickness that consequentially reduced the invasion of the pathogenic A. flavus. It was also interesting that the infected seedlings recovered after being treated with A. fumigatus, as it was observed in growth characteristics and photosynthetic pigments. Moreover, infected maize plants showed increased oxidative stress (lipid peroxidation and H2O2), which was significantly mitigated by A. fumigatus treatment. This mitigation was at least partially explained by inducing the antioxidant defense system, i.e., increased phenols and proline levels (23.3 and 31.17%, respectively) and POD, PPO, SOD and CAT enzymes activity (29.50, 57.58, 32.14 and 29.52%, respectively). Overall, our study suggests that endophytic A. fumigatus treatment could be commercially used for the safe control of aflatoxins production and for inducing biotic stress tolerance of A. flavus-infected maize plants.
Collapse
|
17
|
Cabrera-Meraz J, Maldonado L, Bianchini A, Espinal R. Incidence of aflatoxins and fumonisins in grain, masa and corn tortillas in four municipalities in the department of Lempira, Honduras. Heliyon 2021; 7:e08506. [PMID: 34977400 PMCID: PMC8683718 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e08506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In Honduras, corn is the most important staple food for the majority of the population. This high-demand crop is susceptible to biological contamination with mycotoxins, which could represent a latent hazard for consumers. To assess the incidence of aflatoxins and fumonisins in grain, masa and tortilla, and the dietary exposure to these substances among consumers, a study was conducted in four municipalities in the department of Lempira. Total aflatoxin and fumonisin content were quantified by fluorometry in 144 samples from 48 farmers. Sixty five percent of the samples were contaminated with aflatoxins with levels of 1.28-32.05, 1.15 to 12.61, and 1.01-5.98 μg/kg in grain, masa and tortilla, respectively. Fumonisins were detected in 100% of the samples at levels between 0.82 and 28.04, 0.66 and 14.36, and 0.63 and 12.04 mg/kg in grain, masa and tortilla, respectively. The reduction in aflatoxin and fumonisin contamination after processing grains into tortillas was of 83% and 52%, respectively. The difference in aflatoxin and fumonisin concentration in the three products was significant (p < 0.05). With a per capita tortilla consumption of 490 g/day, dietary exposure was estimated between 0.003 and 0.073 μg/kg bw/day for aflatoxins and 6.16 and 151.98 μg/kg bw/day for fumonisins. Therefore, the risk of exposure to mycotoxins in the evaluated communities was considered high. Mixed effect models showed that postharvest grain management and the nixtamalization process affect the incidence of mycotoxins in corn-based products.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeimy Cabrera-Meraz
- Sustainable Tropical Agriculture Master Program, Zamorano University, Municipality of San Antonio de Oriente, Francisco Morazán, Honduras
| | - Luis Maldonado
- Department of Food Science & Technology, Zamorano University, Municipality of San Antonio de Oriente, Francisco Morazán, Honduras
| | - Andréia Bianchini
- Department of Food Science & Technology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Raúl Espinal
- Department of Food Science & Technology, Zamorano University, Municipality of San Antonio de Oriente, Francisco Morazán, Honduras
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Sweany RR, Mack BM, Moore GG, Gilbert MK, Cary JW, Lebar MD, Rajasekaran K, Damann Jr. KE. Genetic Responses and Aflatoxin Inhibition during Co-Culture of Aflatoxigenic and Non-Aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:794. [PMID: 34822579 PMCID: PMC8618995 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13110794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Aflatoxin is a carcinogenic mycotoxin produced by Aspergillus flavus. Non-aflatoxigenic (Non-tox) A. flavus isolates are deployed in corn fields as biocontrol because they substantially reduce aflatoxin contamination via direct replacement and additionally via direct contact or touch with toxigenic (Tox) isolates and secretion of inhibitory/degradative chemicals. To understand touch inhibition, HPLC analysis and RNA sequencing examined aflatoxin production and gene expression of Non-tox isolate 17 and Tox isolate 53 mono-cultures and during their interaction in co-culture. Aflatoxin production was reduced by 99.7% in 72 h co-cultures. Fewer than expected unique reads were assigned to Tox 53 during co-culture, indicating its growth and/or gene expression was inhibited in response to Non-tox 17. Predicted secreted proteins and genes involved in oxidation/reduction were enriched in Non-tox 17 and co-cultures compared to Tox 53. Five secondary metabolite (SM) gene clusters and kojic acid synthesis genes were upregulated in Non-tox 17 compared to Tox 53 and a few were further upregulated in co-cultures in response to touch. These results suggest Non-tox strains can inhibit growth and aflatoxin gene cluster expression in Tox strains through touch. Additionally, upregulation of other SM genes and redox genes during the biocontrol interaction demonstrates a potential role of inhibitory SMs and antioxidants as additional biocontrol mechanisms and deserves further exploration to improve biocontrol formulations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca R. Sweany
- Food and Feed Safety Research Unit, Southern Regional Research Center, US Department of Agriculture, New Orleans, LA 70124, USA; (B.M.M.); (M.K.G.); (J.W.C.); (M.D.L.)
- Department of Plant Pathology and Crop Physiology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, USA;
| | - Brian M. Mack
- Food and Feed Safety Research Unit, Southern Regional Research Center, US Department of Agriculture, New Orleans, LA 70124, USA; (B.M.M.); (M.K.G.); (J.W.C.); (M.D.L.)
- Department of Plant Pathology and Crop Physiology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, USA;
| | - Geromy G. Moore
- Food and Feed Safety Research Unit, Southern Regional Research Center, US Department of Agriculture, New Orleans, LA 70124, USA; (B.M.M.); (M.K.G.); (J.W.C.); (M.D.L.)
- Department of Plant Pathology and Crop Physiology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, USA;
| | - Matthew K. Gilbert
- Food and Feed Safety Research Unit, Southern Regional Research Center, US Department of Agriculture, New Orleans, LA 70124, USA; (B.M.M.); (M.K.G.); (J.W.C.); (M.D.L.)
- Department of Plant Pathology and Crop Physiology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, USA;
| | - Jeffrey W. Cary
- Food and Feed Safety Research Unit, Southern Regional Research Center, US Department of Agriculture, New Orleans, LA 70124, USA; (B.M.M.); (M.K.G.); (J.W.C.); (M.D.L.)
- Department of Plant Pathology and Crop Physiology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, USA;
| | - Matthew D. Lebar
- Food and Feed Safety Research Unit, Southern Regional Research Center, US Department of Agriculture, New Orleans, LA 70124, USA; (B.M.M.); (M.K.G.); (J.W.C.); (M.D.L.)
- Department of Plant Pathology and Crop Physiology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, USA;
| | - Kanniah Rajasekaran
- Food and Feed Safety Research Unit, Southern Regional Research Center, US Department of Agriculture, New Orleans, LA 70124, USA; (B.M.M.); (M.K.G.); (J.W.C.); (M.D.L.)
- Department of Plant Pathology and Crop Physiology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, USA;
| | - Kenneth E. Damann Jr.
- Department of Plant Pathology and Crop Physiology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Vlajkov V, Grahovac M, Budakov D, Loc M, Pajčin I, Milić D, Novaković T, Grahovac J. Distribution, Genetic Diversity and Biocontrol of Aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus in Serbian Maize Fields. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13100687. [PMID: 34678980 PMCID: PMC8540170 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13100687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Maize is one of the leading export products in the Republic of Serbia. As a country where economic development depends on agriculture, maize production plays a critical role as a crop of strategic importance. Potential aflatoxin contamination of maize poses a risk to food and feed safety and tremendous economic losses. No aflatoxin contamination of maize samples harvested in 2019 and 2020 in different localities in the Republic of Serbia was detected by the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) test and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) method. On the other hand, the Cluster Amplification Patterns (CAP) analyses of the isolated Aspergillus flavus strains from 2019 maize samples confirmed the presence of key biosynthesis genes responsible for aflatoxin production. Artificial inoculation and subsequent HPLC analysis of the inoculated maize samples confirmed the high capacity of the A. flavus strains for aflatoxin production, pointing to a high risk of contamination under favorable conditions. Prevention of aflatoxin contamination is primarily based on A. flavus control, where biocontrol agents play a significant role as sustainable disease management tools. In this study, antagonistic activity screening of the novel strains belonging to the Bacillus genus indicated superior suppression of A. flavus strains by two Bacillus strains isolated from the rhizosphere of Phaseolus vulgaris.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vanja Vlajkov
- Faculty of Technology, University of Novi Sad, Bulevar Cara Lazara 1, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia; (I.P.); (J.G.)
- Correspondence: (V.V.); (M.G.)
| | - Mila Grahovac
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 8, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia; (D.B.); (M.L.); (D.M.); (T.N.)
- Correspondence: (V.V.); (M.G.)
| | - Dragana Budakov
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 8, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia; (D.B.); (M.L.); (D.M.); (T.N.)
| | - Marta Loc
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 8, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia; (D.B.); (M.L.); (D.M.); (T.N.)
| | - Ivana Pajčin
- Faculty of Technology, University of Novi Sad, Bulevar Cara Lazara 1, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia; (I.P.); (J.G.)
| | - Dragan Milić
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 8, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia; (D.B.); (M.L.); (D.M.); (T.N.)
| | - Tihomir Novaković
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 8, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia; (D.B.); (M.L.); (D.M.); (T.N.)
| | - Jovana Grahovac
- Faculty of Technology, University of Novi Sad, Bulevar Cara Lazara 1, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia; (I.P.); (J.G.)
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Xu J, Wang P, Zhou Z, Cotty PJ, Kong Q. Selection of Atoxigenic Aspergillus flavus for Potential Use in Aflatoxin Prevention in Shandong Province, China. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7090773. [PMID: 34575811 PMCID: PMC8472152 DOI: 10.3390/jof7090773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus flavus is a common filamentous fungus widely present in the soil, air, and in crops. This facultative pathogen of both animals and plants produces aflatoxins, a group of mycotoxins with strong teratogenic and carcinogenic properties. Peanuts are highly susceptible to aflatoxin contamination and consumption of contaminated peanuts poses serious threats to the health of humans and domestic animals. Currently, the competitive displacement of aflatoxin-producers from agricultural environments by atoxigenic A. flavus is the most effective method of preventing crop aflatoxin contamination. In the current study, 47 isolates of A. flavus collected from peanut samples originating in Shandong Province were characterized with molecular methods and for aflatoxin-producing ability in laboratory studies. Isolates PA04 and PA10 were found to be atoxigenic members of the L strains morphotype. When co-inoculated with A. flavus NRRL3357 at ratios of 1:10, 1:1, and 10:1 (PA04/PA10: NRRL3357), both atoxigenic strains were able to reduce aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) levels, on both culture media and peanut kernels, by up to 90%. The extent to which atoxigenic strains reduced contamination was correlated with the inoculation ratio. Abilities to compete of PA04 and PA10 were also independently verified against local aflatoxin-producer PA37. The results suggest that the two identified atoxigenic strains are good candidates for active ingredients of biocontrol products for the prevention of aflatoxin contamination of peanuts in Shandong Province.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jia Xu
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; (J.X.); (P.W.); (P.J.C.)
| | - Peng Wang
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; (J.X.); (P.W.); (P.J.C.)
| | - Zehua Zhou
- Food Technology Department, Wageningen University & Research, 6700 AK Wageningen, The Netherlands;
| | - Peter John Cotty
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; (J.X.); (P.W.); (P.J.C.)
| | - Qing Kong
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; (J.X.); (P.W.); (P.J.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-532-8203-2290; Fax: +86-532-8203-238
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
van der Fels-Klerx H, Liu C, Focker M, Montero-Castro I, Rossi V, Manstretta V, Magan N, Krska R. Decision support system for integrated management of mycotoxins in feed and food supply chains. WORLD MYCOTOXIN J 2021. [DOI: 10.3920/wmj2020.2603] [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
Mycotoxins present a global food safety threat of our feed and food. Mycotoxins are toxic metabolites of certain fungi in agricultural products that are harmful to animal and human health. The presence of mycotoxins in these products depends on a variety of management and environmental factors in the field, during storage and/or processing of feed and food commodities. To date, information on mycotoxin management is available, but is not easy to access by supply chain actors. This study aimed to design, build and test a Decision Support System (DSS) that can help decision making on mycotoxin management by various actors along the feed and food supply chains. As part of this, available knowledge and data on mycotoxin prevention and control were collected and synthesised into easy to understand guidelines and tools for various groups of end-users. The DSS consists of four different modules: (a) static information module and (b) scenario analysis module, (c) dynamic module for forecasting mycotoxins, and (d) dynamic module for real-time monitoring of moulds/mycotoxins in grain silos. Intended end-users are all end-user groups for modules (a) and (b); growers and collectors for module (c) and; post-harvest storage managers for module (d). The DSS is user-friendly and accessible through PCs, tablets and smartphones (see https://mytoolbox-platform.com/ ). In various phases of the DSS development, the tool has been demonstrated to groups of end-users, and their suggestions have been taken into account, whenever possible. Also, a near final version has been tested with individual farmers on the easiness to use the system. In this way we aimed to maximise the DSS uptake by actors along the chain. Ultimately, this DSS will improve decision making on mycotoxin management; it will assist in reducing mycotoxin contamination in the key crops of Europe, thereby reducing economic losses and improving animal and human health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H.J. van der Fels-Klerx
- Wageningen Food Safety Research, Akkermaalsbos 2, 6708 WB Wageningen, the Netherlands
- Wageningen University, Business Economics Group, Hollandseweg 1, 6706 KN, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - C. Liu
- Wageningen Food Safety Research, Akkermaalsbos 2, 6708 WB Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - M. Focker
- Wageningen University, Business Economics Group, Hollandseweg 1, 6706 KN, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - I. Montero-Castro
- IRIS Technology Solutions S.L., Avda. Carl Friedrich Gauss 11, 08860 Castelldefels, Barcelona, Spain
| | - V. Rossi
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, via Emilia Parmense 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy
| | - V. Manstretta
- Horta s.r.l., via Egidio Gorra 55, 29122 Piacenza, Italy
| | - N. Magan
- Applied Mycology Group, Environment and AgriFood Theme, Cranfield University, Cranfield, Beds. MK43 0AL, United Kingdom
| | - R. Krska
- Institute of Bioanalytics and Agro-Metabolomics, Department IFA-Tulln, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), Konrad-Lorenz-Str. 20, 3430 Tulln, Austria
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queens University Belfast, University Road, Belfast, BT7 1NN, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Ortega-Beltran A, Agbetiameh D, Atehnkeng J, Falade TDO, Bandyopadhyay R. Does Use of Atoxigenic Biocontrol Products to Mitigate Aflatoxin in Maize Increase Fumonisin Content in Grains? PLANT DISEASE 2021; 105:2196-2201. [PMID: 33210967 DOI: 10.1094/pdis-07-20-1447-re] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In the tropics and subtropics, maize (Zea mays) and other crops are frequently contaminated with aflatoxins by Aspergillus flavus. Treatment of crops with atoxigenic isolates of A. flavus formulated into biocontrol products can significantly reduce aflatoxin contamination. Treated crops contain up to 100% fewer aflatoxins compared with untreated crops. However, there is the notion that protecting crops from aflatoxin contamination may result in increased accumulation of other toxins, particularly fumonisins produced by a few Fusarium species. The objective of this study was to determine if treatment of maize with aflatoxin biocontrol products increased fumonisin concentration and fumonisin-producing fungi in grains. Over 200 maize samples from fields treated with atoxigenic biocontrol products in Nigeria and Ghana were examined for fumonisin content and contrasted with maize from untreated fields. Apart from low aflatoxin levels, most treated maize also harbored fumonisin levels considered safe by the European Union (<1 part per million; ppm). Most untreated maize also harbored equally low fumonisin levels but contained higher aflatoxin levels. In addition, during one year, we detected considerably lower Fusarium spp. densities in treated maize than in untreated maize. Our results do not support the hypothesis that treating crops with atoxigenic isolates of A. flavus used in biocontrol formulations results in higher grain fumonisin levels.[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2021 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY 4.0 International license.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel Agbetiameh
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan 200001, Nigeria
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- Department of Agro Enterprise Development, Faculty of Applied Science and Technology, Ho Technical University, Ho, Ghana
| | - Joseph Atehnkeng
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Bukavu, D. R. Congo
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Pickova D, Ostry V, Toman J, Malir F. Aflatoxins: History, Significant Milestones, Recent Data on Their Toxicity and Ways to Mitigation. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:399. [PMID: 34205163 PMCID: PMC8227755 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13060399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In the early 1960s the discovery of aflatoxins began when a total of 100,000 turkey poults died by hitherto unknown turkey "X" disease in England. The disease was associated with Brazilian groundnut meal affected by Aspergillus flavus. The toxin was named Aspergillus flavus toxin-aflatoxin. From the point of view of agriculture, aflatoxins show the utmost importance. Until now, a total of 20 aflatoxins have been described, with B1, B2, G1, and G2 aflatoxins being the most significant. Contamination by aflatoxins is a global health problem. Aflatoxins pose acutely toxic, teratogenic, immunosuppressive, carcinogenic, and teratogenic effects. Besides food insecurity and human health, aflatoxins affect humanity at different levels, such as social, economical, and political. Great emphasis is placed on aflatoxin mitigation using biocontrol methods. Thus, this review is focused on aflatoxins in terms of historical development, the principal milestones of aflatoxin research, and recent data on their toxicity and different ways of mitigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Darina Pickova
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Rokitanskeho 62, CZ-50003 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic; (V.O.); (J.T.); (F.M.)
| | - Vladimir Ostry
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Rokitanskeho 62, CZ-50003 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic; (V.O.); (J.T.); (F.M.)
- Center for Health, Nutrition and Food in Brno, National Institute of Public Health in Prague, Palackeho 3a, CZ-61242 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jakub Toman
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Rokitanskeho 62, CZ-50003 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic; (V.O.); (J.T.); (F.M.)
| | - Frantisek Malir
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Rokitanskeho 62, CZ-50003 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic; (V.O.); (J.T.); (F.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Garcia-Lopez MT, Luo Y, Ortega-Beltran A, Jaime R, Moral J, Michailides TJ. Quantification of the Aflatoxin Biocontrol Strain Aspergillus flavus AF36 in Soil and in Nuts and Leaves of Pistachio by Real-Time PCR. PLANT DISEASE 2021; 105:1657-1665. [PMID: 33084543 DOI: 10.1094/pdis-05-20-1097-re] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The species Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus are commonly found in the soils of nut-growing areas in California. Several isolates can produce aflatoxins that occasionally contaminate nut kernels, conditioning their sale. Strain AF36 of A. flavus, which does not produce aflatoxins, is registered as a biocontrol agent for use in almond, pistachio, and fig crops in California. After application in orchards, AF36 displaces aflatoxin-producing Aspergillus spp. and thus reduces aflatoxin contamination. Vegetative compatibility assays (VCAs) have traditionally been used to track AF36 in soils and crops where it has been applied. However, VCAs are labor intensive and time consuming. Here, we developed a quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) protocol to quantify proportions of AF36 accurately and efficiently in different substrates. Specific primers to target AF36 and toxigenic strains of A. flavus and A. parasiticus were designed based on the sequence of aflC, a gene essential for aflatoxin biosynthesis. Standard curves were generated to calculate proportions of AF36 based on threshold cycle values. Verification assays using pure DNA and conidial suspension mixtures demonstrated a significant relationship by regression analysis between known and qPCR-measured AF36 proportions in DNA (R2 = 0.974; P < 0.001) and conidia mixtures (R2 = 0.950; P < 0.001). Tests conducted by qPCR in pistachio leaves, nuts, and soil samples demonstrated the usefulness of the qPCR method to precisely quantify proportions of AF36 in diverse substrates, ensuring important time and cost savings. The outputs of this study will serve to design better aflatoxin management strategies for pistachio and other crops.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Teresa Garcia-Lopez
- Department of Agronomy (Maria de Maeztu Excellence Unit), University of Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of California-Davis Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Parlier, CA 93648, U.S.A
| | - Yong Luo
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of California-Davis Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Parlier, CA 93648, U.S.A
| | | | - Ramon Jaime
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of California-Davis Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Parlier, CA 93648, U.S.A
| | - Juan Moral
- Department of Agronomy (Maria de Maeztu Excellence Unit), University of Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Themis J Michailides
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of California-Davis Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Parlier, CA 93648, U.S.A
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Leggieri MC, Toscano P, Battilani P. Predicted Aflatoxin B 1 Increase in Europe Due to Climate Change: Actions and Reactions at Global Level. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:292. [PMID: 33924246 PMCID: PMC8074758 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13040292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Climate change (CC) is predicted to increase the risk of aflatoxin (AF) contamination in maize, as highlighted by a project supported by EFSA in 2009. We performed a comprehensive literature search using the Scopus search engine to extract peer-reviewed studies citing this study. A total of 224 papers were identified after step I filtering (187 + 37), while step II filtering identified 25 of these papers for quantitative analysis. The unselected papers (199) were categorized as "actions" because they provided a sounding board for the expected impact of CC on AFB1 contamination, without adding new data on the topic. The remaining papers were considered as "reactions" of the scientific community because they went a step further in their data and ideas. Interesting statements taken from the "reactions" could be summarized with the following keywords: Chain and multi-actor approach, intersectoral and multidisciplinary, resilience, human and animal health, and global vision. In addition, fields meriting increased research efforts were summarized as the improvement of predictive modeling; extension to different crops and geographic areas; and the impact of CC on fungi and mycotoxin co-occurrence, both in crops and their value chains, up to consumers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Camardo Leggieri
- Department of Sustainable Crop Production (DI.PRO.VE.S.), Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy;
| | - Piero Toscano
- IBE-CNR, Institute of BioEconomy-National Research Council, Via Giovanni Caproni 8, 50145 Florence, Italy;
| | - Paola Battilani
- Department of Sustainable Crop Production (DI.PRO.VE.S.), Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy;
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Liu N, Liu C, Dudaš TN, Loc MČ, Bagi FF, van der Fels-Klerx HJ. Improved Aflatoxins and Fumonisins Forecasting Models for Maize (PREMA and PREFUM), Using Combined Mechanistic and Bayesian Network Modeling-Serbia as a Case Study. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:643604. [PMID: 33967981 PMCID: PMC8098437 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.643604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Contamination of maize with aflatoxins and fumonisins is one of the major food safety concerns worldwide. Knowing the contamination in advance can help to reduce food safety risks and related health issues and economic losses. The current study aimed to develop forecasting models for the contamination of maize grown in Serbia with aflatoxins and fumonisins. An integrated modeling approach was used, linking mechanistic modeling with artificial intelligence, in particular Bayesian network (BN) modeling. Two of such combined models, i.e., the prediction model for aflatoxins (PREMA) and for fumonisins (PREFUM) in maize, were developed. Data used for developing PREMA were from 867 maize samples, collected in Serbia during the period from 2012 to 2018, of which 190 were also used for developing PREFUM. Both datasets were split randomly in a model training set and a model validation set. With corresponding geographical and meteorological data, the so-called risk indices for total aflatoxins and total fumonisins were calculated using existing mechanistic models. Subsequently, these risk indices were used as input variables for developing the BN models, together with the longitudes and latitudes of the sites at which the samples were collected and related weather data. PREMA and PREFUM were internally and externally validated, resulting in a prediction accuracy of PREMA of, respectively, 83 and 70%, and of PREFUM of 76% and 80%. The capability of PREMA and PREFUM for predicting aflatoxins and fumonisins contamination using data from the early maize growth stages only was explored as well, and promising results were obtained. The integrated approach combining two different modeling techniques, as developed in the current study, was able to overcome the obstacles of unbalanced data and deficiency of the datasets, which are often seen in historical observational data from the food safety domain. The models provide predictions for mycotoxin contamination at the field level; this information can assist stakeholders of the maize supply chain, including farmers, buyers/collectors, and food safety authorities, to take timely decisions for improved mycotoxin control. The developed models can be further validated by applying them into practice, and they can be extended to other European maize growing areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ningjing Liu
- Wageningen Food Safety Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Cheng Liu
- Wageningen Food Safety Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Tatjana N Dudaš
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Marta Č Loc
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Ferenc F Bagi
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Focker M, van der Fels-Klerx H, Magan N, Edwards S, Grahovac M, Bagi F, Budakov D, Suman M, Schatzmayr G, Krska R, de Nijs M. The impact of management practices to prevent and control mycotoxins in the European food supply chain: MyToolBox project results. WORLD MYCOTOXIN J 2021. [DOI: 10.3920/wmj2020.2588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The presence of mycotoxins in cereals has led to large economic losses in Europe. In the course of the European project MyToolBox, prevention and control measures to reduce mycotoxin contamination in cereals were developed. This study aimed to estimate the impact of these prevention and control measures on both the reduction in crop losses and the increased volume of crops suitable for food and/or feed. It focused on the following measures: the use of fungicides during wheat cultivation, the use of resistant maize cultivars and/or biocontrol during maize cultivation, the use of real time sensors in storage silos, the use of innovative milling strategies during the pasta making process, and the employment of degrading enzymes during the process of bioethanol and Dried Distillers Grains with Solubles (DDGS) production. The impact assessment was based on the annual volume of cereals produced, the annual levels of mycotoxin contamination, and experimental data on the prevention and control measures collected in the course of the MyToolBox project. Results are expressed in terms of reduced volumes of cereals lost, or as additional volumes of cereals available for food meeting the current European legal limits. Results showed that a reduction in crop losses as well as an increase in the volume of crops suitable as food and/or feed is feasible with each proposed prevention or control measure along the supply chain. The impact was the largest in areas and in years with the highest mycotoxin contamination levels but would have less impact in years with low mycotoxin levels. In further research, the impact assessment may be validated using future data from more years and European sites. Decision makers in the food and feed supply chain can use this impact assessment to decide on the relevant prevention and control strategies to apply.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M. Focker
- Business Economics Group, Wageningen University & Research, Hollandseweg 1, 6706 KN Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - H.J. van der Fels-Klerx
- Business Economics Group, Wageningen University & Research, Hollandseweg 1, 6706 KN Wageningen, the Netherlands
- Wageningen Food Safety Research (WFSR), Wageningen University & Research, Akkermaalsbos 2, 6708 WB Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - N. Magan
- Applied Mycology Group, Environment and AgriFood Theme, Cranfield University, Cranfield MK43 0AL, United Kingdom
| | - S.G. Edwards
- Harper Adams University, Newport, Shropshire TF10 8NB, United Kingdom
| | - M. Grahovac
- University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Agriculture, Trg Dositeja Obradovica 8, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - F. Bagi
- University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Agriculture, Trg Dositeja Obradovica 8, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - D. Budakov
- University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Agriculture, Trg Dositeja Obradovica 8, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - M. Suman
- Advanced Research Laboratory, Barilla G.R. F.lli SpA, via Mantova 166, 43122 Parma, Italy
| | - G. Schatzmayr
- BIOMIN Research Center, Technopark 1, 3430 Tulln, Austria
| | - R. Krska
- Institute of Bioanalytics and Agro-Metabolomics, Department IFA-Tulln, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), 3430 Tulln, Austria
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queens University Belfast, University Road, Belfast BT7 1NN, United Kingdom
| | - M. de Nijs
- Wageningen Food Safety Research (WFSR), Wageningen University & Research, Akkermaalsbos 2, 6708 WB Wageningen, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Pickova D, Ostry V, Malir F. A Recent Overview of Producers and Important Dietary Sources of Aflatoxins. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:186. [PMID: 33802572 PMCID: PMC7998637 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13030186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Aflatoxins (AFs) are some of the most agriculturally important and harmful mycotoxins. At least 20 AFs have been identified to this date. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), the most potent fungal toxin, can cause toxicity in many species, including humans. AFs are produced by 22 species of Aspergillus section Flavi, 4 species of A. section Nidulantes, and 2 species of A. section Ochraceorosei. The most important and well-known AF-producing species of section Flavi are Aspergillus flavus, A. parasiticus, and A. nomius. AFs contaminate a wide range of crops (mainly groundnuts, pistachio nuts, dried figs, hazelnuts, spices, almonds, rice, melon seeds, Brazil nuts, and maize). Foods of animal origin (milk and animal tissues) are less likely contributors to human AF exposure. Despite the efforts to mitigate the AF concentrations in foods, and thus enhance food safety, AFs continue to be present, even at high levels. AFs thus remain a current and continuously pressing problem in the world.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Darina Pickova
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Rokitanskeho 62, CZ-50003 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic; (V.O.); (F.M.)
| | - Vladimir Ostry
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Rokitanskeho 62, CZ-50003 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic; (V.O.); (F.M.)
- Center for Health, Nutrition and Food in Brno, National Institute of Public Health in Prague, Palackeho 3a, CZ-61242 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Frantisek Malir
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Rokitanskeho 62, CZ-50003 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic; (V.O.); (F.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Kaale L, Kimanya M, Macha I, Mlalila N. Aflatoxin contamination and recommendations to improve its control: a review. WORLD MYCOTOXIN J 2021. [DOI: 10.3920/wmj2020.2599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Aflatoxin producing fungi cause contamination of food and feed resulting in health hazards and economic loss. It is imperative to develop workable control measures throughout the food chain to prevent and reduce aflatoxin contamination. This is a critical review of contemporary published papers in the field. It is a review of reports from the original aflatoxin researches conducted on foods, from 2015-2020. Most of the reports show high aflatoxin contaminations in food at levels that exceed a regulatory limit of 20 μg/kg and 4 μg/kg set for foods for human consumption in the USA and European Union, respectively. The highest aflatoxin concentration (3,760 μg/kg) was observed in maize. Some of the strategies being deployed in aflatoxin control include application of biocontrol agents, specifically of Aflasafe™, development of resistant crop varieties, and application of other good agricultural practices. We recommend the adoption of emerging technologies such as combined methods technology (CMT) or hurdle technology, one health concept (OHC), improved regulations, on-line monitoring of aflatoxins, and creative art intervention (CAI) to prevent or restrict the growth of target aflatoxin causative fungi.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L.D. Kaale
- University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), Department of Food Science and Technology, P.O. Box 35134, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - M.E. Kimanya
- School of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 447, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - I.J. Macha
- University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, P.O. Box 35131, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - N. Mlalila
- University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), Department of Food Science and Technology, P.O. Box 35134, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, P.O. Box 2847, Dodoma, Tanzania
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Moore GG. Practical considerations will ensure the continued success of pre-harvest biocontrol using non-aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus strains. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2021; 62:4208-4225. [PMID: 33506687 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2021.1873731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
There is an important reason for the accelerated use of non-aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus to mitigate pre-harvest aflatoxin contamination… it effectively addresses the imperative need for safer food and feed. Now that we have decades of proof of the effectiveness of A. flavus as biocontrol, it is time to improve several aspects of this strategy. If we are to continue relying heavily on this form of aflatoxin mitigation, there are considerations we must acknowledge, and actions we must take, to ensure that we are best wielding this strategy to our advantage. These include its: (1) potential to produce other mycotoxins, (2) persistence in the field in light of several ecological factors, (3) its reproductive and genetic stability, (4) the mechanism(s) employed that allow it to elicit control over aflatoxigenic strains and species of agricultural importance and (5) supplemental alternatives that increase its effectiveness. There is a need to be consistent, practical and thoughtful when it comes to implementing this method of mycotoxin mitigation since these fungi are living organisms that have been adapting, evolving and surviving on this planet for tens-of-millions of years. This document will serve as a critical review of the literature regarding pre-harvest A. flavus biocontrol and will discuss opportunities for improvements.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Geromy G Moore
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, New Orleans, USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Chang PK, Chang TD, Katoh K. Deciphering the origin of Aspergillus flavus NRRL21882, the active biocontrol agent of Afla-Guard ®. Lett Appl Microbiol 2021; 72:509-516. [PMID: 33251654 DOI: 10.1111/lam.13433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of genome sequences of eight Aspergillus flavus and seven Aspergillus oryzae strains were extracted with Mauve, a multiple-genome alignment programme. A phylogenetic analysis with sequences comprised of concatenated total SNPs by the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) of MAFFT adequately separated them into three groups, A. flavus S-morphotype, A. flavus L-morphotype and A. oryzae. Divergence time inferred for A. flavus NRRL21882, the active agent of the biocontrol product Afla-Guard® , and S-morphotype was about 5·1 mya. Another biocontrol strain, A. flavus AF36, diverged from aflatoxigenic L-morphotype about 2·6-3·0 mya. Despite the close relatedness of A. oryzae to A. flavus, A. oryzae strains likely evolved from aflatoxigenic Aspergillus aflatoxiformans (=A. parvisclerotigenus). A survey of A. flavus populations implies that prior Afla-Guard® applications are associated with prevalence of NRRL21882-type isolates in Mississippi fields. In addition, a few NRRL21882 relatives were identified. A. flavus Og0222, a biocontrol ingredient of Aflasafe™, was verified as a NRRL21882-type strain, having identical sequence breakpoints that led to deletion of aflatoxin and cyclopiazonic acid gene clusters. A similar UPGMA analysis suggests that the occurrence of NRRL21882-type strains is a more recent event.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P-K Chang
- Southern Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - T D Chang
- 400 Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - K Katoh
- Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Leslie J, Poschmaier B, van Egmond H, Malachová A, de Nijs M, Bagi F, Zhou J, Jin Z, Wang S, Suman M, Schatzmayr G, Krska R. The MyToolbox EU-China Partnership-Progress and Future Directions in Mycotoxin Research and Management. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:E712. [PMID: 33187262 PMCID: PMC7697730 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12110712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Affordable and practical tools for farmers and food processors along the chain are required to efficiently reduce the risk of mycotoxin contamination of crops, feeds and foods. Developing new tools and enhancing existing ones was the mission of MyToolBox-a four-year EU-project that included important Chinese partners and joint research efforts. To identify future directions in mycotoxin research and management in China and their role in China-EU relations, a unique stakeholder workshop including group discussions was organized in Beijing. Six related topics: biocontrol, forecasting, sampling and analysis, silo management, detoxification, and the development of safe use options for contaminated materials were covered. The discussions clearly identified a critical need for smart, integrated strategies to address mycotoxin issues to attain safer food and feed, and to minimize losses and export rejections. Managing data on when, where and the size of mycotoxin contamination events and identifying the institution(s) to manage them are complex issues in China. Studies of microbes and novel, genetically-altered enzymes to limit pre-harvest contamination and to manage post-harvest product detoxification and alternate uses of contaminated materials are in the early stages in China. Further efforts are needed to increase the visibility of mycotoxin problems beyond the scientific and research communities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John Leslie
- Department of Plant Pathology, Throckmorton Plant Sciences Center, 1712 Claflin Avenue, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA;
| | - Birgit Poschmaier
- Department of Agrobiotechnology (IFA-Tulln), Institute of Bioanalytics and Agro-Metabolomics, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), Konrad-Lorenz-Str. 20, 3430 Tulln an der Donau, Austria;
| | | | - Alexandra Malachová
- FFoQSI—Austrian Competence Centre for Feed and Food Quality, Safety & Innovation, Head Office: FFoQSI GmbH, Technopark 1C, 3430 Tulln an der Donau, Austria;
| | - Monique de Nijs
- Wageningen Food Safety Research, Akkermaalsbos 2, 6708 Wageningen, The Netherlands;
| | - Ferenc Bagi
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Dositeja Obradovica 8, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia;
| | - Jing Zhou
- Romer Labs China Ltd., Jia Tai International Mansion, 41 East 4th Ring Middle Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100025, China; (J.Z.); (Z.J.)
| | - Zhen Jin
- Romer Labs China Ltd., Jia Tai International Mansion, 41 East 4th Ring Middle Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100025, China; (J.Z.); (Z.J.)
| | - Songxue Wang
- Institute of Cereals and Oils Quality and Safety, Academy of National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration, 23 Yongwang Ave., Daxing District, Beijing 102600, China;
| | - Michele Suman
- BARILLA S.p.A., Food Chemistry and Safety Research, Barilla Research Labs, Via Mantova 166, 43 122 Parma, Italy;
| | - Gerd Schatzmayr
- BIOMIN Research Center, BIOMIN Holding GmbH, Technopark 1, 3430 Tulln an der Donau, Austria;
| | - Rudolf Krska
- Department of Agrobiotechnology (IFA-Tulln), Institute of Bioanalytics and Agro-Metabolomics, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), Konrad-Lorenz-Str. 20, 3430 Tulln an der Donau, Austria;
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, University Road, Belfast BT7 1NN, UK
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Agbetiameh D, Ortega-Beltran A, Awuah RT, Atehnkeng J, Elzein A, Cotty PJ, Bandyopadhyay R. Field efficacy of two atoxigenic biocontrol products for mitigation of aflatoxin contamination in maize and groundnut in Ghana. BIOLOGICAL CONTROL : THEORY AND APPLICATIONS IN PEST MANAGEMENT 2020; 150:104351. [PMID: 33144821 PMCID: PMC7457722 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocontrol.2020.104351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Biological control is one of the recommended methods for aflatoxin mitigation. Biocontrol products must be developed, and their efficacy demonstrated before widespread use. Efficacy of two aflatoxin biocontrol products, Aflasafe GH01 and Aflasafe GH02, were evaluated in 800 maize and groundnut farmers' fields during 2015 and 2016 in the Ashanti, Brong Ahafo, Northern, Upper East, and Upper West regions of Ghana. Both products were developed after an extensive examination of fungi associated with maize and groundnut in Ghana. Each product contains as active ingredient fungi four Aspergillus flavus isolates belonging to atoxigenic African Aspergillus Vegetative Compatibility Groups (AAVs) widely distributed across Ghana. An untreated field was maintained for each treated field to determine product efficacy. Proportions of atoxigenic AAVs composing each product were assessed in soils before product application, and soils and grains at harvest. Significant (P < 0.05) displacement of toxigenic fungi occurred in both crops during both years, in all five regions. Biocontrol-treated crops consistently had significantly (P < 0.05) less aflatoxins (range = 76% to 100% less; average = 99% less) than untreated crops. Results indicate that both biocontrol products are highly efficient, cost-effective, environmentally safe tools for aflatoxin mitigation. Most crops from treated fields could have been sold in both local and international food and feed premium markets. Adoption and use of biocontrol products have the potential to improve the health of Ghanaians, and both income and trade opportunities of farmers, aggregators, distributors, and traders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Agbetiameh
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan 200001, Nigeria
- Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | - Richard T. Awuah
- Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Joseph Atehnkeng
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan 200001, Nigeria
| | - Abuelgasim Elzein
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan 200001, Nigeria
| | - Peter J. Cotty
- United States Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Research Service, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Biocontrol Agents and Natural Compounds Against Mycotoxinogenic Fungi. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12060353. [PMID: 32481521 PMCID: PMC7354559 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12060353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
|
35
|
Wang S, Pan D, Zhang T, Su M, Sun G, Wei J, Guo Z, Wang K, Song G, Yan Q. Corn Flour Intake, Aflatoxin B 1 Exposure, and Risk of Esophageal Precancerous Lesions in a High-Risk Area of Huai'an, China: A Case-Control Study. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12050299. [PMID: 32384611 PMCID: PMC7291006 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12050299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), which has potent toxicity and carcinogenicity, is a common contaminant of important agricultural commodities. This study aimed to investigate the frequency of corn flour intake and assess the exposure to AFB1 via direct detection of AFB1 in the diet and serum AFB1 exposure biomarker, so as to evaluate their associations with the risk of esophageal precancerous lesions (EPL). A case-control study based on three-day duplicate diet samples was performed in Huai'an District. One hundred EPL cases and 100 healthy controls were enrolled and required to be age- (±2 years) and gender-matched. The concentration of AFB1 in food samples and the level of serum AFB1-albumin (AFB1-Alb) adduct were quantitatively analyzed. Results showed that corn flour intake was positively associated with serum AFB1-Alb adduct level (p for trend = 0.003), dietary AFB1 exposure (p for trend < 0.001), and the risk of EPL (p for trend = 0.017). Increased serum AFB1-Alb adduct level was associated with an increased risk of EPL as well (p for trend < 0.001). In conclusion, corn flour may be an essential source of AFB1 in Huai'an District, whereas high exposure to AFB1 is likely to be an important risk factor contributing to the progression of EPL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shaokang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China; (D.P.); (T.Z.); (G.S.); (J.W.); (Z.G.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Da Pan
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China; (D.P.); (T.Z.); (G.S.); (J.W.); (Z.G.)
| | - Ting Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China; (D.P.); (T.Z.); (G.S.); (J.W.); (Z.G.)
| | - Ming Su
- Huai’an District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Huai’an 223200, China; (M.S.); (K.W.); (G.S.); (Q.Y.)
| | - Guiju Sun
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China; (D.P.); (T.Z.); (G.S.); (J.W.); (Z.G.)
| | - Jie Wei
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China; (D.P.); (T.Z.); (G.S.); (J.W.); (Z.G.)
| | - Ziqi Guo
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China; (D.P.); (T.Z.); (G.S.); (J.W.); (Z.G.)
| | - Kai Wang
- Huai’an District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Huai’an 223200, China; (M.S.); (K.W.); (G.S.); (Q.Y.)
| | - Guang Song
- Huai’an District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Huai’an 223200, China; (M.S.); (K.W.); (G.S.); (Q.Y.)
| | - Qingyang Yan
- Huai’an District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Huai’an 223200, China; (M.S.); (K.W.); (G.S.); (Q.Y.)
| |
Collapse
|