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Ochieng PE, Croubels S, Kemboi D, Okoth S, De Baere S, Cavalier E, Kang'ethe E, Faas J, Doupovec B, Gathumbi J, Douny C, Scippo ML, Lindahl JF, Antonissen G. Effects of Aflatoxins and Fumonisins, Alone or in Combination, on Performance, Health, and Safety of Food Products of Broiler Chickens, and Mitigation Efficacy of Bentonite and Fumonisin Esterase. J Agric Food Chem 2023; 71:13462-13473. [PMID: 37655855 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c01733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
The current study evaluated the effects of feeding diets contaminated with aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), fumonisins (FBs), or both on the performance and health of broiler chickens and the safety of their food products as well as the efficacy of bentonite and fumonisin esterase to mitigate the effects of these mycotoxins under conditions representative for sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Four hundred one-day-old Cobb 500 broiler chickens were randomly assigned to 20 treatments with either a control diet, a diet with moderate AFB1 (60 μg/kg feed) or high AFB1 (220 μg/kg feed), or FBs (17,430 μg FB1+FB2/kg feed), alone or in combination, a diet containing AFB1 (either 60 or 220 μg/kg) and/or FBs (17,430 μg FB1+FB2/kg) and bentonite or fumonisin esterase or both, or a diet with bentonite or fumonisin esterase only. The experimental diets were given to the birds from day 1 to day 35 of age, and the effects of the different treatments on production performance were assessed by feed intake (FI), body weight gain (BWG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Possible health effects were evaluated through blood biochemistry, organ weights, mortality, liver gross pathological changes, and vaccine response. Residues of aflatoxins (AFB1, B2, G1, G2, M1 and M2) were determined in plasma, muscle, and liver tissues using validated UHPLC-MS/MS methods. The results obtained indicated that broiler chickens fed high AFB1 alone had poor FCR when compared to a diet with both high AFB1 and FBs (p = 0.0063). Serum total protein and albumin from birds fed FBs only or in combination with moderate or high AFB1 or detoxifiers increased when compared to the control (p < 0.05). Liver gross pathological changes were more pronounced in birds fed contaminated diets when compared to birds fed the control or diets supplemented with mycotoxin detoxifiers. The relative weight of the heart was significantly higher in birds fed high AFB1 and FBs when compared to the control or high AFB1 only diets (p < 0.05), indicating interactions between the mycotoxins. Inclusion of bentonite in AFB1-contaminated diets offered a protective effect on the change in weights of the liver, heart and spleen (p < 0.05). Residues of AFB1 were detected above the limit of quantification (max: 0.12 ± 0.03 μg/kg) in liver samples only, from birds fed a diet with high AFB1 only or with FBs or the detoxifiers. Supplementing bentonite into these AFB1-contaminated diets reduced the levels of the liver AFB1 residues by up to 50%. Bentonite or fumonisin esterase, alone, did not affect the performance and health of broiler chickens. Thus, at the doses tested, both detoxifiers were safe and efficient for use as valid means of counteracting the negative effects of AFB1 and FBs as well as transfer of AFB1 to food products (liver) of broiler chickens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillis Emelda Ochieng
- Department of Food Sciences, Laboratory of Food Analysis, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Liège 4000, Belgium
- Department of Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Zoological Medicine, Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke 9820, Belgium
| | - Siska Croubels
- Department of Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Zoological Medicine, Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke 9820, Belgium
| | - David Kemboi
- Department of Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Zoological Medicine, Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke 9820, Belgium
- Department of Animal Science, Chuka University, P.O. Box 109, 00625 Chuka, Kenya
| | - Sheila Okoth
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Siegrid De Baere
- Department of Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Zoological Medicine, Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke 9820, Belgium
| | - Etienne Cavalier
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Medicines (CIRM), University of Liège, University Hospital of Liège, Liège 4000, Belgium
| | | | | | | | - James Gathumbi
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Microbiology, and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Caroline Douny
- Department of Food Sciences, Laboratory of Food Analysis, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Liège 4000, Belgium
| | - Marie-Louise Scippo
- Department of Food Sciences, Laboratory of Food Analysis, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Liège 4000, Belgium
| | - Johanna F Lindahl
- International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), P.O. Box 30709, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala SE-751 05, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala SE-750 07, Sweden
| | - Gunther Antonissen
- Department of Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Zoological Medicine, Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke 9820, Belgium
- Chair Poultry Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke 9820, Belgium
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Kemboi D, Antonissen G, Ochieng P, Croubels S, De Baere S, Scippo ML, Okoth S, Kangethe E, Faas J, Doupovec B, Lindahl J, Gathumbi J. Efficacy of Bentonite and Fumonisin Esterase in Mitigating the Effects of Aflatoxins and Fumonisins in Two Kenyan Cattle Breeds. J Agric Food Chem 2023; 71:2143-2151. [PMID: 36649058 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c08217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The objective of the study was to investigate the efficacy of bentonite and fumonisin esterase, separately or combined, in mitigating the effects of aflatoxins (AF) and fumonisins (FUM) in Boran and Friesian-Boran crossbreed cattle. These effects were studied by measuring mycotoxins, their metabolites, and biomarkers that relate to animal health, productivity, and food safety. The study was divided into three experiments each lasting for 2 weeks. Cows in experiment 1 received in random order aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) [788 μg/cow/day (69.7 μg/kg dry matter intake (DMI)) for Borans and 2,310 μg/cow/day (154 μg/kg DMI) for crossbreeds], bentonite (60 g/cow/day), or both AFB1 and bentonite. Boran cows in experiment 2 received in random order FUM (12.4 mg/cow/day (1.1 mg/kg DMI)), fumonisin esterase (120 U/cow/day), or both FUM and fumonisin esterase. Boran cows in experiment 3 received in random order AFB1 (952 μg/cow/day (84.2 μg/kg DMI)) + FUM (30.4 mg/cow/day (2.7 mg/kg DMI)), bentonite (60 g/cow/day) + fumonisin esterase (120 U/cow/day), or both AFB1 + FUM and bentonite + fumonisin esterase. Feeding AFB1 and/or FUM contaminated feed with or without the addition of the detoxifiers for 14 days did not affect DMI, milk composition, hematology, and blood biochemical parameters. The addition of bentonite in a diet contaminated with AFB1 led to a decrease in milk aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) concentration of 30% and 43%, with the carry-over subsequently decreasing from 0.35% to 0.20% and 0.08% to 0.06% for crosses and Borans, respectively. No significant change was observed in the sphinganine/sphingosine (Sa/So) ratio following feeding with FUM alone or in combination with fumonisin esterase; however, the ability of fumonisin esterase to hydrolyze FUM into less toxic fully hydrolyzed FUM and partially hydrolyzed FUM was evident in the rumen fluid and feces. These results indicate bentonite was effective in decreasing AFM1 concentration in milk, and AFB1 and AFM1 in plasma, while fumonisin esterase can convert FUM into less toxic metabolites and can be a suitable addition to feed cocontaminated with AFB1 and FUM.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Kemboi
- Department of Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Zoological Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, Merelbeke 9820, Belgium
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Microbiology, and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, P.O Box 29053, Nairobi 00100, Kenya
- Department of Animal Science, Chuka University, P.O Box 109-00625, Chuka 00625, Kenya
| | - Gunther Antonissen
- Department of Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Zoological Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, Merelbeke 9820, Belgium
- Chair Poultry Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, Merelbeke 9820, Belgium
| | - Phillis Ochieng
- Department of Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Zoological Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, Merelbeke 9820, Belgium
- Department of Food Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Avenue de Cureghem 10, Liège 4000, Belgium
| | - Siska Croubels
- Department of Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Zoological Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, Merelbeke 9820, Belgium
| | - Siegrid De Baere
- Department of Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Zoological Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, Merelbeke 9820, Belgium
| | - Marie-Louise Scippo
- Department of Food Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Avenue de Cureghem 10, Liège 4000, Belgium
| | - Sheila Okoth
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Nairobi, P.O Box 30197 Nairobi 00100, Kenya
| | | | - Johannes Faas
- DSM-BIOMIN Research Center, Technopark 1, Tulln 3430, Austria
| | | | - Johanna Lindahl
- International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), P.O Box 30709, Nairobi 00100, Kenya
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala SE-751 05, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala SE-750 07, Sweden
| | - James Gathumbi
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Microbiology, and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, P.O Box 29053, Nairobi 00100, Kenya
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Njoki L, Okoth S, Wachira P, Ouko A, Mwololo J, Rizzu M, Oufensou S, Amakhobe T. Evaluation of Agronomic Characteristics, Disease Incidence, Yield Performance, and Aflatoxin Accumulation among Six Peanut Varieties ( Arachis hypogea L.) Grown in Kenya. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:111. [PMID: 36828425 PMCID: PMC9962968 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15020111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Diseases contribute to attainment of less than 50% of the local groundnut potential yield in Kenya. This study aimed to evaluate the agronomic characteristics (flowering and germination), disease incidence, yield performance (biomass, harvest index, 100-pod, 100-seed, and total pod weight), and aflatoxin accumulation in six peanut varieties. A field experiment was conducted using four newly improved peanut varieties: CG9, CG7, CG12, and ICGV-SM 90704 (Nsinjiro), and two locally used varieties: Homabay local (control) and 12991, and in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The disease identification followed the International Crop Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) rating scale and further isolation of fungal contaminants was conducted by a direct plating technique using potato dextrose agar. The aflatoxin levels in the peanuts were determined after harvesting using the ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography and fluorescence detection (UHPLC-FLD) technique. ICGV-SM 90704 showed the least average disease incidence of 1.31 ± 1.75%, (P < 0.05); the lowest total aflatoxin levels (1.82 ± 1.41 μg kg-1) with a range 0.00-0.85 μg kg-1 for total aflatoxins and a range 0.00-1.24 μg kg-1 for Aflatoxin B1. The locally used varieties (12991 and the control) revealed the highest disease incidence (5.41 ± 8.31% and 7.41 ± 1.88%), respectively. ICGV-SM 90704 was the best performing among all the six varieties with an average total pod weight (9.22 ± 1.19 kg), 100-pod weight (262.93 ± 10.8 g), and biomass of (27.21 ± 5.05 kg) per row. The 12991 variety and the control showed the least total pod weight (1.60 ± 0.28 and 1.50 ± 1.11 kg, respectively) (P = 0.0001). The newly improved varieties showed lower disease rates, low levels of aflatoxins, and higher yields than the locally used varieties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loise Njoki
- Department of Biology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi P.O. Box 30197-00100, Kenya
| | - Sheila Okoth
- Department of Biology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi P.O. Box 30197-00100, Kenya
| | - Peter Wachira
- Department of Biology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi P.O. Box 30197-00100, Kenya
| | - Abigael Ouko
- Department of Biology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi P.O. Box 30197-00100, Kenya
| | - James Mwololo
- International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Lilongew P.O. Box 1096, Malawi
| | - Margherita Rizzu
- Dipartimento di Agraria, Italy Nucleo di Ricerca sulla Desertificazione, NRD, University of Sassari, Viale Italia 39/A, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Safa Oufensou
- Dipartimento di Agraria, Italy Nucleo di Ricerca sulla Desertificazione, NRD, University of Sassari, Viale Italia 39/A, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Truphosa Amakhobe
- Department of Biology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi P.O. Box 30197-00100, Kenya
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Adelusi OA, Gbashi S, Adebiyi JA, Makhuvele R, Aasa AO, Oladeji OM, Khoza M, Okoth S, Njobeh PB. Seasonal Diversity and Occurrence of Filamentous Fungi in Smallholder Dairy Cattle Feeds and Feedstuffs in South Africa. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8111192. [PMID: 36422014 PMCID: PMC9696519 DOI: 10.3390/jof8111192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated 65 (35 in summer and 30 in winter) smallholder dairy cattle feeds from Free State and Limpopo provinces in South Africa from 2018 to 2019 for fungal contamination and assessed the impacts of seasonal variation on fungal contamination levels, isolation frequency, and diversity. Samples were examined for fungal contamination using macro- and microscopic approaches, and their identities were confirmed by molecular means. A total of 217 fungal isolates from 14 genera, including Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Penicillium, were recovered from feeds from both seasons. The most prevalent fungal species recovered were A. fumigatus and P. crustosum. Mycological analyses showed that 97% of samples were contaminated with one or more fungal isolates, with the summer fungal mean level (6.1 × 103 to 3.0 × 106 CFU/g) higher than that of feeds sampled during winter (mean level: 1.1 × 103 to 4.1 × 105 CFU/g). Independent sample t-test revealed that the isolation frequencies of the genera Aspergillus and Fusarium were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher in summer than winter, while Penicillium prevalence in both seasons was not statistically (p > 0.05) different. Furthermore, the Shannon−Weiner diversity index (H′) revealed a higher fungal diversity in summer (H′ = 2.8) than in winter (H′ = 2.1). This study on fungal contamination could be used for future fungal control and mycotoxin risk management in South Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwasola Abayomi Adelusi
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Faculty of Science, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein Campus, Johannesburg P.O. Box 17011, South Africa
- Correspondence: (O.A.A.); (P.B.N.)
| | - Sefater Gbashi
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Faculty of Science, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein Campus, Johannesburg P.O. Box 17011, South Africa
| | - Janet Adeyinka Adebiyi
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Faculty of Science, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein Campus, Johannesburg P.O. Box 17011, South Africa
| | - Rhulani Makhuvele
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Faculty of Science, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein Campus, Johannesburg P.O. Box 17011, South Africa
| | - Adeola Oluwakemi Aasa
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Faculty of Science, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein Campus, Johannesburg P.O. Box 17011, South Africa
| | - Oluwaseun Mary Oladeji
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Faculty of Science, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein Campus, Johannesburg P.O. Box 17011, South Africa
| | - Minenhle Khoza
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Faculty of Science, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein Campus, Johannesburg P.O. Box 17011, South Africa
| | - Sheila Okoth
- Department of Biological sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi P.O. Box 30197-00100, Kenya
| | - Patrick Berka Njobeh
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Faculty of Science, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein Campus, Johannesburg P.O. Box 17011, South Africa
- Correspondence: (O.A.A.); (P.B.N.)
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Kagot V, De Boevre M, De Saeger S, Moretti A, Mwamuye M, Okoth S. Incidence of toxigenic Aspergillus and Fusarium species occurring in maize kernels from Kenyan households. WORLD MYCOTOXIN J 2022. [DOI: 10.3920/wmj2021.2748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Aspergillus and Fusarium are fungal genera that include toxigenic and pathogenic species, able to suffuse farmers’ crops and secrete an array of small molecular weight secondary metabolites which can cause health complications to humans and animals when ingested. In sub-Sahara Africa, contamination and persistence of these fungi is increased by the tropical climatic conditions which are ideal for the fungi to thrive. This study evaluated the incidence, regional distribution and toxigenic potential of Aspergillus and Fusarium species occurring in maize kernels from Eastern, Western, Coastal and the Lake Victoria agro-ecological zones of Kenya. Maize kernels were collected from 16 households in each agro-ecological zone. Single spore technique was used to isolate pure cultures of Aspergillus and Fusarium which were identified morphologically. Further, molecular analysis was done using the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS 1) region of the ribosomal DNA for Aspergillus and the translation elongation factor-1 alpha (TEF-1α) for Fusarium. The potential of the isolated fungi to produce mycotoxins was probed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based on the aflatoxin regulatory aflaR gene in Aspergillus, and the fumonisin backbone structure gene FUM1 in Fusarium. Among the potentially aflatoxigenic A. flavus species isolated, 55% were from Eastern, 27% from the Coastal zone, 13% from Lake Victoria zone and 5% from Western Kenya. Among the potentially fumonisin producing F. verticillioides isolated, 45% were from the Lake Victoria agro-ecological zone, 30% were from Western, 15% from Eastern Kenya and 10% from the Coastal agro-ecological zone. This study adds data on potential mycotoxin hotspots in Kenya useful in employing targeted and regional mycotoxin mitigation strategies in efforts to avert future mycotoxicoses outbreaks in Kenya.
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Affiliation(s)
- V. Kagot
- Centre of Excellence in Mycotoxicology & Public Health, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- School of Biological Sciences-University of Nairobi, Riverside Drive, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya
| | - M. De Boevre
- Centre of Excellence in Mycotoxicology & Public Health, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - S. De Saeger
- Centre of Excellence in Mycotoxicology & Public Health, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Faculty of Science, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein Campus, P.O. Box 17011, Gauteng, 2028 Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - A. Moretti
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production, CNR, Via Amendola 122/o, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - M. Mwamuye
- Institute of Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität, Robert-von-Ostertag-Str. 7-13, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - S. Okoth
- School of Biological Sciences-University of Nairobi, Riverside Drive, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya
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Mesfin A, Lachat C, Vidal A, Croubels S, Haesaert G, Ndemera M, Okoth S, Belachew T, Boevre MD, De Saeger S, Matumba L. Essential descriptors for mycotoxin contamination data in food and feed. Food Res Int 2022; 152:110883. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2021.110883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Kagot V, De Boevre M, Landschoot S, Obiero G, Okoth S, De Saeger S. Comprehensive analysis of multiple mycotoxins and Aspergillus flavus metabolites in maize from Kenyan households. Int J Food Microbiol 2021; 363:109502. [PMID: 34952410 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2021.109502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This study assessed the levels of mycotoxins in maize from Kenyan households. Further, local open pollinated maize varieties were compared with commercial hybrids to evaluate which variety is less susceptible to mycotoxin contamination. Four hundred and eighty (n = 480) maize samples were collected in the years 2018-2020 from households in Eastern, Western, Coastal and Lake Victoria regions of Kenya. Liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry was used to detect and quantify 22 mycotoxins, along with 31 Aspergillus flavus metabolites in the samples. Eastern Kenya had the highest aflatoxin (AF) contamination with 75% of samples having AF levels above the Kenyan regulatory limits (10 μg/kg), the highest concentration was 558.1 μg/kg. In Western Kenya, only 18% of samples had concentration levels above the Kenyan regulatory limits for AF with highest sample having 73.3 μg/kg. The Lake Victoria region had the most fumonisins (F) contamination, with 53% of the samples having fumonisin B1 (FB1) < 1000 μg/kg. However, only 20% of the samples surpassed the Kenyan regulatory limit for total fumonisins (2000 μg/kg) with the highest concentration being 13,022 μg/kg. In addition, 21.6% of samples from the Lake Victoria region had zearalenone (ZEN) and deoxynivalenol (DON) above regulatory limits for European countries (1000 μg/kg). Western region had the least A. flavus metabolites contamination (18%) while the Eastern region had the highest incidence of A. flavus metabolites (81%). Among the A. flavus metabolites, cyclopiazonic acid (CPA), beta-cyclopiazonic acid (β CPA), flavacol (FLV) and methylcitreo-isocoumarin (MIC) positively correlated with each other but negatively correlated with the other metabolites. Significant positive co-occurrence was also noted among Fusarium mycotoxins: nivalenol (NIV) positively correlated with DON (r = 0.81), fusarenon-X (FX) (r = 0.81) and ZEN (r = 0.70). Negative correlations were observed between Aspergillus and Fusarium mycotoxins: aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) negatively correlated with FB1 (r = -0.11), FX (r = -0.17) and ZEN (r = -0.20). Local open-pollinated maize varieties (L-opv) were less susceptible to mycotoxin contamination compared to the commercial hybrids (C-hy). This study reveals that Kenyan maize is contaminated with multiple mycotoxins most of which are not regulated in Kenya despite being regulated in other parts of the world. A comprehensive legislation should therefore be put in place to protect the Kenyan public against chronic exposure to these mycotoxins. In addition to high yield, there is a need for commercial hybrid maize breeders to incorporate mycotoxin resistance as an important trait in germplasm improvement in seeds production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Kagot
- Centre of Excellence in Mycotoxicology & Public Health, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Centre for Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Marthe De Boevre
- Centre of Excellence in Mycotoxicology & Public Health, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sofie Landschoot
- Department of Plant and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - George Obiero
- Centre for Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Sheila Okoth
- School of Biological sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Sarah De Saeger
- Centre of Excellence in Mycotoxicology & Public Health, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Faculty of Science, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein Campus, Gauteng, Johannesburg, South Africa..
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Kemboi DC, Ochieng PE, Antonissen G, Croubels S, Scippo ML, Okoth S, Kangethe EK, Faas J, Doupovec B, Lindahl JF, Gathumbi JK. Multi-Mycotoxin Occurrence in Dairy Cattle and Poultry Feeds and Feed Ingredients from Machakos Town, Kenya. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12120762. [PMID: 33287105 PMCID: PMC7761711 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12120762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycotoxins are common in grains in sub-Saharan Africa and negatively impact human and animal health and production. This study assessed occurrences of mycotoxins, some plant, and bacterial metabolites in 16 dairy and 27 poultry feeds, and 24 feed ingredients from Machakos town, Kenya, in February and August 2019. We analyzed the samples using a validated multi-toxin liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method. A total of 153 mycotoxins, plant, and bacterial toxins, were detected in the samples. All the samples were co-contaminated with 21 to 116 different mycotoxins and/or metabolites. The commonly occurring and EU regulated mycotoxins reported were; aflatoxins (AFs) (70%; range 0.2–318.5 μg/kg), deoxynivalenol (82%; range 22.2–1037 μg/kg), ergot alkaloids (70%; range 0.4–285.7 μg/kg), fumonisins (90%; range 32.4–14,346 μg/kg), HT-2 toxin (3%; range 11.9–13.8 μg/kg), ochratoxin A (24%; range 1.1–24.3 μg/kg), T-2 toxin (4%; range 2.7–5.2 μg/kg) and zearalenone (94%; range 0.3–910.4 μg/kg). Other unregulated emerging mycotoxins and metabolites including Alternaria toxins, Aspergillus toxins, bacterial metabolites, cytochalasins, depsipeptides, Fusarium metabolites, metabolites from other fungi, Penicillium toxins, phytoestrogens, plant metabolites, and unspecific metabolites were also detected at varying levels. Except for total AFs, where the average contamination level was above the EU regulatory limit, all the other mycotoxins detected had average contamination levels below the limits. Ninety-six percent of all the samples were contaminated with more than one of the EU regulated mycotoxins. These co-occurrences may cause synergistic and additive health effects thereby hindering the growth of the Kenyan livestock sector.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Chebutia Kemboi
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi. P.O. Box 29053, Nairobi 00100, Kenya;
- Department of Animal Science, Chuka University, P.O. Box 109-00625, Chuka 00625, Kenya
| | - Phillis E. Ochieng
- Department of Pharmacology Toxicology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (G.A.); (P.E.O.); (S.C.)
- Department of Food Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Avenue de Cureghem 10, 4000 Liège, Belgium;
| | - Gunther Antonissen
- Department of Pharmacology Toxicology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (G.A.); (P.E.O.); (S.C.)
- Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Siska Croubels
- Department of Pharmacology Toxicology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (G.A.); (P.E.O.); (S.C.)
| | - Marie-Louise Scippo
- Department of Food Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Avenue de Cureghem 10, 4000 Liège, Belgium;
| | - Sheila Okoth
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197, Nairobi 00100, Kenya;
| | | | - Johannes Faas
- BIOMIN Research Center, Technopark 1, 3430 Tulln, Austria; (J.F.); (B.D.)
| | - Barbara Doupovec
- BIOMIN Research Center, Technopark 1, 3430 Tulln, Austria; (J.F.); (B.D.)
| | - Johanna F. Lindahl
- International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), P.O. Box 30709, Nairobi 00100, Kenya
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, SE-751 05 Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
- Correspondence: (J.F.L.); (J.K.G.)
| | - James K. Gathumbi
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi. P.O. Box 29053, Nairobi 00100, Kenya;
- Correspondence: (J.F.L.); (J.K.G.)
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Kemboi DC, Antonissen G, Ochieng PE, Croubels S, Okoth S, Kangethe EK, Faas J, Lindahl JF, Gathumbi JK. A Review of the Impact of Mycotoxins on Dairy Cattle Health: Challenges for Food Safety and Dairy Production in Sub-Saharan Africa. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:E222. [PMID: 32252249 PMCID: PMC7232242 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12040222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites of fungi that contaminate food and feed and have a significant negative impact on human and animal health and productivity. The tropical condition in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) together with poor storage of feed promotes fungal growth and subsequent mycotoxin production. Aflatoxins (AF) produced by Aspergillus species, fumonisins (FUM), zearalenone (ZEN), T-2 toxin (T-2), and deoxynivalenol (DON) produced by Fusarium species, and ochratoxin A (OTA) produced by Penicillium and Aspergillus species are well-known mycotoxins of agricultural importance. Consumption of feed contaminated with these toxins may cause mycotoxicoses in animals, characterized by a range of clinical signs depending on the toxin, and losses in the animal industry. In SSA, contamination of dairy feed with mycotoxins has been frequently reported, which poses a serious constraint to animal health and productivity, and is also a hazard to human health since some mycotoxins and their metabolites are excreted in milk, especially aflatoxin M1. This review describes the major mycotoxins, their occurrence, and impact in dairy cattle diets in SSA highlighting the problems related to animal health, productivity, and food safety and the up-to-date post-harvest mitigation strategies for the prevention and reduction of contamination of dairy feed.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Chebutia Kemboi
- Department of Pathology, Parasitology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, PO Box 29053, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya;
- Department of Animal Science, Chuka University, P.O Box 109-00625 Chuka, Kenya
| | - Gunther Antonissen
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (G.A.); (P.E.O.); (S.C.)
- Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Phillis E. Ochieng
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (G.A.); (P.E.O.); (S.C.)
- Department of Food Sciences, University of Liège, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Avenue de Cureghem 10, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Siska Croubels
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (G.A.); (P.E.O.); (S.C.)
| | - Sheila Okoth
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nairobi, P.O Box 30197-00100 Nairobi, Kenya;
| | | | - Johannes Faas
- BIOMIN Research Center, Technopark 1, 3430 Tulln, Austria;
| | - Johanna F. Lindahl
- Department of Biosciences, International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), P.O Box 30709, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, P.O Box 582, 751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O Box 7054, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - James K. Gathumbi
- Department of Pathology, Parasitology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, PO Box 29053, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya;
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Marijani E, Kigadye E, Okoth S. Occurrence of Fungi and Mycotoxins in Fish Feeds and Their Impact on Fish Health. Int J Microbiol 2019; 2019:6743065. [PMID: 31827520 PMCID: PMC6881585 DOI: 10.1155/2019/6743065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The rapid population growth in developing countries has led to strong pressure on capture fisheries. However, capture fisheries have reached their maximal limits of fish production and are supplemented by farmed fish. The growth in aquaculture has led to high demand for fish feeds, which play a very important role in fish nutrition and health. Use of animal protein in fish feeds is expensive; hence, a majority of farmers from developing countries use local feed ingredients from plant origin as a source of dietary protein. However, these ingredients of plant origin provide the best natural substrates for fungi, which can be easily accompanied by mycotoxin development under suitable conditions. The locally made feed comprises ingredients such as soybeans, cottonseed cake, and wheat and maize bran which are mixed together and ground after which the compounded feed is pelleted and stored. Among the ingredients, maize and oilseeds are more susceptible for mycotoxigenic fungi compared to other ingredients. The outcomes of mycotoxin contamination in fish feeds are not different from other animal species intended for human consumption, and they are directly associated with production losses, particularly decreased weight gain and feed conversion, impaired immune system and reproductive performance, and increased fish mortality. Fish may also carry mycotoxin residues along the food chain, thus compromising human health. Hence, it is important to ensure the control of mycotoxin contamination in fish feeds, especially during the production and storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Marijani
- Open University of Tanzania, P.O. Box 23409, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Emmanuel Kigadye
- Open University of Tanzania, P.O. Box 23409, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Sheila Okoth
- University of Nairobi, School of Biological Science, P.O. Box 30197-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
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Marijani E, Charo-Karisa H, Gnonlonfin GJB, Kigadye E, Okoth S. Effects of aflatoxin B 1 on reproductive performance of farmed Nile tilapia. Int J Vet Sci Med 2019; 7:35-42. [PMID: 31692918 PMCID: PMC6818110 DOI: 10.1080/23144599.2019.1678315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This study evaluated the effect of dietary aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) on growth, milt and egg quality in matured Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Triplicate groups of Nile tilapia (initial body weight 24.1 ± 2.6 g) were fed with either of four diets (Diets 1 to 4) designed to contain 0, 20, 200 and 2000 μg AFB1 kg−1 diets for 24 weeks. After 24 weeks of AFB1 exposure, growth was significantly (P <0.05) different between the control and the AFB1 exposed treatments in both sexes. No significant differences were observed in 17β-oestradiol, absolute fecundity, oocytes volume and diameters between AFB1 exposure groups and the control group. However, we observed a significant reduction in relative fecundity and gonad somatic index (GSI) in females fed 2000 μg AFB1 kg−1 diet. On the other hand, we observed significant differences (P <0.05) in gonadosomatic index (GSI), testosterone, milt count and motility between males in the control group and AFB1 treatments. We conclude that rearing Nile tilapia with aflatoxin-contaminated diets for a prolonged period affects milt quality, fecundity (at higher doses) and growth performance. This implies that for optimal seed production, provision of aflatoxin free diets should be part of the management practices in Nile tilapia hatcheries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Marijani
- Open University of Tanzania, Department of Food and Nutrition, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | | | - Emmanuel Kigadye
- Open University of Tanzania, Department of Food and Nutrition, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Sheila Okoth
- School of Biological Science, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
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Jenoh EM, de Villiers EP, de Villiers SM, Okoth S, Jefwa J, Kioko E, Kaimenyi D, Hendrickx M, Dahdouh-Guebas F, Koedam N. Infestation mechanisms of two woodborer species in the mangrove Sonneratia alba J. Smith in Kenya and co-occurring endophytic fungi. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0221285. [PMID: 31585459 PMCID: PMC6777984 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0221285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Insect damage on trees can severely affect the quality of timber, reduce the fecundity of the host and render it susceptible to fungal infestation and disease. Such pathology weakens or eventually kills the host. Infestation by two insect woodborer species (a moth and a beetle) is causing mortality of Sonneratia alba, a wide-ranging pioneer mangrove species of the Indo-Pacific. Establishing the infestation mechanism of the two insect woodborer species is an initial and essential step towards understanding their ecological role in the mangroves and in determining sustainable management priorities and options. Our main objectives were to investigate the infestation mechanism employed by the two insect woodborers which infest S. alba trees, to establish the occurrence of secondary infestation by endophytic fungi in the infested S. alba branches, and to explore a control management option to the woodborer infestation. We conducted an external inspection of infested branches in two large embayments in Kenya, Gazi Bay and Mida Creek, and by splitting infested branches we determined the respective internal infestation mechanisms. Infested wood samples from Gazi Bay and Mida Creek were incubated at 28±1°C for 3–5 days to establish the presence of fungi. A survey was conducted in both Gazi Bay and Mida Creek to ascertain the presence of ants on S. alba. The infestation characteristics of the two insect woodborer species were different. It took 6–8 months for the beetle to kill a branch of 150 cm—200 cm long. For the moth to kill a branch, it depended upon several factors including the contribution by multiple species, other than the moth infestation alone. A total of 15 endophytic fungal species were identified. Two ant species Oecophylla longipoda and a Pheidole sp. inhabited 62% and 69% respectively of sampled S. alba trees in Gazi Bay whereas only Pheidole sp. inhabited 17% of the sampled S. alba trees in Mida Creek. In summary, we have documented the time it takes each woodborer species to kill a branch, the infestation mechanism of the two insect woodborers, and we hypothesized on the role of two ant species. The presence of several different fungal species was ascertained, and we discussed their possible role in the infested wood. Our results cannot unambiguously associate the woodborers and identified fungi. We recommend further studies to investigate the presence or absence, and if present, the nature of fungi in the gut of the woodborers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisha Mrabu Jenoh
- Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), Mombasa, Kenya
- Laboratory of Systems Ecology and Resource Management, Département de Biologie des Organismes, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
- Laboratory of Plant Biology and Nature Management (APNA), Ecology & Biodiversity, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- * E-mail:
| | | | | | - Sheila Okoth
- University of Nairobi (UoN), Centre for Biotechnology and Bioinformatics (CEBIB), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Joyce Jefwa
- National Museums of Kenya (NMK), Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Davies Kaimenyi
- Pwani University Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kilifi Kenya
| | - Marijke Hendrickx
- BCCM/IHEM: Scientific Institute of Public Health, Mycology and Aerobiology Section, Brussels, Belgium. Rue Juliette Wytsmanstraat, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Farid Dahdouh-Guebas
- Laboratory of Systems Ecology and Resource Management, Département de Biologie des Organismes, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nico Koedam
- Laboratory of Plant Biology and Nature Management (APNA), Ecology & Biodiversity, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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Dooso Oloo R, Okoth S, Wachira P, Mutiga S, Ochieng P, Kago L, Nganga F, Domelevo Entfellner JB, Ghimire S. Genetic Profiling of Aspergillus Isolates with Varying Aflatoxin Production Potential from Different Maize-Growing Regions of Kenya. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11080467. [PMID: 31404960 PMCID: PMC6723045 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11080467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2019] [Revised: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Highly toxigenic strains of Aspergillus flavus have been reported to frequently contaminate maize, causing fatal aflatoxin poisoning in Kenya. To gain insights into the environmental and genetic factors that influence toxigenicity, fungi (n = 218) that were culturally identified as A. flavus were isolated from maize grains samples (n = 120) from three regions of Kenya. The fungi were further characterized to confirm their identities using a PCR-sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA which also revealed all of them to be A. flavus. A subset of 72 isolates representing ITS sequence-based phylogeny cluster and the agroecological origin of maize samples was constituted for subsequent analysis. The analysis of partial calmodulin gene sequences showed that the subset consisted of A. flavus (87%) and Aspergillus minisclerotigenes (13%). No obvious association was detected between the presence of seven aflatoxin biosynthesis genes and fungal species or region. However, the presence of the aflD and aflS genes showed some association with aflatoxin production. The assessment of toxigenicity showed higher aflatoxin production potential in A. minisclerotigenes isolates. Given that A. minisclerotigenes were mainly observed in maize samples from Eastern Kenya, a known aflatoxin hotspot, we speculate that production of copious aflatoxin is an adaptative trait of this recently discovered species in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Dooso Oloo
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197-00100 Nairobi, Kenya
- Biosciences Eastern and Central Africa-International Livestock Research Institute (BecA-ILRI) Hub, P.O. Box 30709-00100 Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Sheila Okoth
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197-00100 Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Peter Wachira
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197-00100 Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Samuel Mutiga
- Biosciences Eastern and Central Africa-International Livestock Research Institute (BecA-ILRI) Hub, P.O. Box 30709-00100 Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
| | - Phillis Ochieng
- Biosciences Eastern and Central Africa-International Livestock Research Institute (BecA-ILRI) Hub, P.O. Box 30709-00100 Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Leah Kago
- Biosciences Eastern and Central Africa-International Livestock Research Institute (BecA-ILRI) Hub, P.O. Box 30709-00100 Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Fredrick Nganga
- Biosciences Eastern and Central Africa-International Livestock Research Institute (BecA-ILRI) Hub, P.O. Box 30709-00100 Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jean-Baka Domelevo Entfellner
- Biosciences Eastern and Central Africa-International Livestock Research Institute (BecA-ILRI) Hub, P.O. Box 30709-00100 Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Sita Ghimire
- Biosciences Eastern and Central Africa-International Livestock Research Institute (BecA-ILRI) Hub, P.O. Box 30709-00100 Nairobi, Kenya.
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Mitema A, Okoth S, Rafudeen SM. Correction: Mitema, A. et al. The Development of a qPCR Assay to Measure Aspergillus flavus Biomass in Maize and the Use of a Biocontrol Strategy to Limit Aflatoxin Production. Toxins 2019, 11, 179. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11070384. [PMID: 31266239 PMCID: PMC6669549 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11070384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The authors wish to make the following correction to their paper [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfred Mitema
- Plant Stress Laboratory 204/207, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, MCB Building, Upper Campus, University of Cape Town, Private bag X3, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7701, South Africa.
- Department of Botany, School of Biological Sciences, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197, Nairobi 00100, Kenya.
| | - Sheila Okoth
- Department of Botany, School of Biological Sciences, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197, Nairobi 00100, Kenya
| | - Suhail M Rafudeen
- Plant Stress Laboratory 204/207, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, MCB Building, Upper Campus, University of Cape Town, Private bag X3, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7701, South Africa.
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Shen T, Miao Y, Ding C, Fan W, Liu S, Lv Y, Gao X, De Boevre M, Yan L, Okoth S, De Saeger S, Song S. Activation of the p38/MAPK pathway regulates autophagy in response to the CYPOR-dependent oxidative stress induced by zearalenone in porcine intestinal epithelial cells. Food Chem Toxicol 2019; 131:110527. [PMID: 31173817 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2019.05.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2019] [Revised: 05/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Zearalenone (ZEA) can widely contaminate crops and agricultural products. The ingestion of ZEA-contaminated food or feed affects the integrity and functions of the intestines. In this study, we aimed to find the potential protective mechanism against ZEA ingestion. We found that ZEA induced cell death in IPEC-J2 cells. Meanwhile, the cytoprotective autophagy was activated in ZEA-treated cells. Further studies demonstrated that a p38/MAPK inhibitor down-regulated autophagy and increased cell death compared to those of the controls. Furthermore, ZEA could induce the accumulation of ROS, and eliminating ROS with NAC resulted in a decline in cell death, p38/MAPK phosphorylation, and the expression of LC3-II compared to those of ZEA-group. In addition, cytochrome P450 reductase (CYPOR) was significantly increased in ZEA-treated cells compared to that in the controls, and an inhibitor of CYPOR decreased ROS levels and mitigated cell death compared to those of the ZEA-group. More importantly, we found that blocking both p38/MAPK signalling and autophagy could enhance CYPOR expression and elevate ROS levels. Overall, our study indicated that the p38/MAPK pathway could activate protective autophagy in response to the CYPOR-dependent oxidative stress that was induced by ZEA in IPEC-J2 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongtong Shen
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, PR China
| | - Yufan Miao
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, PR China
| | - Chenchen Ding
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, PR China
| | - Wentao Fan
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, PR China
| | - Shuhui Liu
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, PR China
| | - Yanan Lv
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, PR China
| | - Xiaona Gao
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, PR China
| | - Marthe De Boevre
- Centre of Excellence in Mycotoxicology and Public Health, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Liping Yan
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, PR China
| | - Sheila Okoth
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Sarah De Saeger
- Centre of Excellence in Mycotoxicology and Public Health, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Suquan Song
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, PR China.
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Mitema A, Okoth S, Rafudeen SM. The Development of a qPCR Assay to Measure Aspergillus flavus Biomass in Maize and the Use of a Biocontrol Strategy to Limit Aflatoxin Production. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11030179. [PMID: 30934573 PMCID: PMC6468655 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11030179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2019] [Revised: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus flavus colonisation of maize can produce mycotoxins that are detrimental to both human and animal health. Screening of maize lines, resistant to A. flavus infection, together with a biocontrol strategy, could help minimize subsequent aflatoxin contamination. We developed a qPCR assay to measure A. flavus biomass and showed that two African maize lines, GAF4 and KDV1, had different fungal loads for the aflatoxigenic isolate (KSM014), fourteen days after infection. The qPCR assay revealed no significant variation in A. flavus biomass between diseased and non-diseased maize tissues for GAF4, while KDV1 had a significantly higher A. flavus biomass (p < 0.05) in infected shoots and roots compared to the control. The biocontrol strategy using an atoxigenic isolate (KSM012) against the toxigenic isolate (KSM014), showed aflatoxin production inhibition at the co-infection ratio, 50:50 for both maize lines (KDV1 > 99.7% and GAF ≥ 69.4%), as confirmed by bioanalytical techniques. As far as we are aware, this is the first report in Kenya where the biomass of A. flavus from maize tissue was detected and quantified using a qPCR assay. Our results suggest that maize lines, which have adequate resistance to A. flavus, together with the appropriate biocontrol strategy, could limit outbreaks of aflatoxicoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfred Mitema
- Plant Stress Laboratory 204/207, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, MCB Building, Upper Campus, University of Cape Town, Private bag X3, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7701, South Africa.
- Department of Botany, School of Biological Sciences, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197, Nairobi 00100, Kenya.
| | - Sheila Okoth
- Department of Botany, School of Biological Sciences, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197, Nairobi 00100, Kenya.
| | - Suhail M Rafudeen
- Plant Stress Laboratory 204/207, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, MCB Building, Upper Campus, University of Cape Town, Private bag X3, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7701, South Africa.
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Kagot V, Okoth S, De Boevre M, De Saeger S. Biocontrol of Aspergillus and Fusarium Mycotoxins in Africa: Benefits and Limitations. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:E109. [PMID: 30781776 PMCID: PMC6409615 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11020109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Revised: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal contamination and the consequent mycotoxin production is a hindrance to food and feed safety, international trade and human and animal health. In Africa, fungal contamination by Fusarium and Aspergillus is heightened by tropical climatic conditions that create a suitable environment for pre- and postharvest mycotoxin production. The biocontrol of Fusarium and its associated fusariotoxins has stagnated at laboratory and experimental levels with species of Trichoderma, Bacillus and atoxigenic Fusarium being tested as the most promising candidates. Hitherto, there is no impetus to upscale for field use owing to the inconsistent results of these agents. Non-aflatoxigenic strains of Aspergillus have been developed to create biocontrol formulations by outcompeting the aflatoxigenic strains, thus thwarting aflatoxins on the target produce by 70% to 90%. Questions have been raised on their ability to produce other mycotoxins like cyclopiazonic acid, to potentially exchange genetic material and to become aflatoxigenic with consequent deleterious effects on other organisms and environments. Other biocontrol approaches to mitigate aflatoxins include the use of lactic acid bacteria and yeast species which have demonstrated the ability to prevent the growth of Aspergillus flavus and consequent toxin production under laboratory conditions. Nevertheless, these strategies seem to be ineffective under field conditions. The efficacy of biological agents is normally dependent on environmental factors, formulations' safety to non-target hosts and the ecological impact. Biocontrol agents can only be effectively evaluated after long-term use, causing a never-ending debate on the use of live organisms as a remedy to pests and diseases over the use of chemicals. Biocontrol should be used in conjunction with good agricultural practices coupled with good postharvest management to significantly reduce mycotoxins in the African continent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Kagot
- MYTOX-SOUTH, Centre of Excellence in Mycotoxicology and Public health, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
- Centre for Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, University of Nairobi, Nairobi 00100, Kenya.
| | - Sheila Okoth
- Centre for Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, University of Nairobi, Nairobi 00100, Kenya.
| | - Marthe De Boevre
- MYTOX-SOUTH, Centre of Excellence in Mycotoxicology and Public health, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Sarah De Saeger
- MYTOX-SOUTH, Centre of Excellence in Mycotoxicology and Public health, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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Okoth S, De Boevre M, Vidal A, Diana Di Mavungu J, Landschoot S, Kyallo M, Njuguna J, Harvey J, De Saeger S. Genetic and Toxigenic Variability within Aspergillus flavus Population Isolated from Maize in Two Diverse Environments in Kenya. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:57. [PMID: 29434580 PMCID: PMC5790802 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus flavus is the main producer of carcinogenic aflatoxins in agricultural commodities such as maize. This fungus occurs naturally on crops, and produces aflatoxins when environmental conditions are favorable. The aim of this study is to analyse the genetic variability among 109 A. flavus isolates previously recovered from maize sampled from a known aflatoxin-hotspot (Eastern region, Kenya) and the major maize-growing area in the Rift Valley (Kenya), and to determine their toxigenic potential. DNA analyses of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of ribosomal DNA, partial β-tubulin gene (benA) and calmodulin gene (CaM) sequences were used. The strains were further analyzed for the presence of four aflatoxin-biosynthesis genes in relation to their capability to produce aflatoxins and other metabolites, targeting the regulatory gene aflR and the structural genes aflP, aflD, and aflQ. In addition, the metabolic profile of the fungal strains was unraveled using state-of-the-art LC-MS/MS instrumentation. The three gene-sequence data grouped the isolates into two major clades, A. minisclerotigenes and A. flavus. A. minisclerotigenes was most prevalent in Eastern Kenya, while A. flavus was common in both regions. A. parasiticus was represented by a single isolate collected from Rift Valley. Diversity existed within the A. flavus population, which formed several subclades. An inconsistency in identification of some isolates using the three markers was observed. The calmodulin gene sequences showed wider variation of polymorphisms. The aflatoxin production pattern was not consistent with the presence of aflatoxigenic genes, suggesting an inability of the primers to always detect the genes or presence of genetic mutations. Significant variation was observed in toxin profiles of the isolates. This is the first time that a profound metabolic profiling of A. flavus isolates was done in Kenya. Positive associations were evident for some metabolites, while for others no associations were found and for a few metabolite-pairs negative associations were seen. Additionally, the growth medium influenced the mycotoxin metabolite production. These results confirm the wide variation that exists among the group A. flavus and the need for more insight in clustering the group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheila Okoth
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Marthe De Boevre
- Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Arnau Vidal
- Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - José Diana Di Mavungu
- Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sofie Landschoot
- Department of Applied Bioscience Engineering, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Martina Kyallo
- Biosciences Eastern and Central Africa, International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Joyce Njuguna
- Biosciences Eastern and Central Africa, International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jagger Harvey
- Feed the Future Innovation Lab, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, United States
| | - Sarah De Saeger
- Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Mitema A, Okoth S, Rafudeen MS. Vegetative compatibility and phenotypic characterization as a means of determining genetic diversity of Aspergillus flavus isolates. Fungal Biol 2017; 122:203-213. [PMID: 29551194 DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2017.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Revised: 11/08/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Toxigenic Aspergillus species produce mycotoxins that are carcinogenic, hepatotoxic and teratogenic immunosuppressing agents in both human and animals. Kenya frequently experiences outbreaks of aflatoxicosis with the worst occurring in 2010, which resulted in 215 deaths. We examined the possible reasons for these frequent aflatoxicosis outbreaks in Kenya by studying Aspergillus flavus diversity, phenotypes and mycotoxin profiles across various agricultural regions. Using diagonal transect random sampling, maize kernels were collected from Makueni, Homa Bay, Nandi, and Kisumu counties. Out of 37 isolates, nitrate non-utilizing auxotrophs complementation test revealed 20 vegetative compatibility groups. We designated these groups by the prefix "KVCG", where "K" represented Kenya and consequently assigned numbers 1-20 based on our findings. KVCG14 and KVCG15 had highest distribution frequency (n = 13; 10.8 %). The distribution of the L-, S- and S-/L-morphotypes across the regions were 57 % (n = 21); 7 % (n = 3) and 36 % (n = 13), respectively. Furthermore, a unique isolate (KSM015) was identified that had characteristics of S-morphotype, but produced both aflatoxins B and G. Coconut agar medium (CAM) assay, TLC and HPLC analyses confirmed the presence or absence of aflatoxins in selected toxigenic and atoxigenic isolates. Diversity index (H') analyses ranged from 0.11 (Nandi samples) to 0.32 (Kisumu samples). Heterokaryon compatibility ranged from 33 % (for the Makueni samples, n = 3) to 67 % (Nandi samples, n = 6). To our knowledge, this is the first reported findings for A. flavus diversity and distribution in Nandi, Homa Bay and Kisumu counties and may assist current and future researchers in the selection of biocontrol strategies to mitigate aflatoxin contamination as has been researched in Makueni and neighbouring counties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfred Mitema
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Plant Stress Laboratory 204/207, MCB Building, Upper Campus, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, 7701 Cape Town, South Africa; School of Biological Sciences, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30596, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Sheila Okoth
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30596, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Mohamed S Rafudeen
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Plant Stress Laboratory 204/207, MCB Building, Upper Campus, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, 7701 Cape Town, South Africa.
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Adekoya I, Njobeh P, Obadina A, Chilaka C, Okoth S, De Boevre M, De Saeger S. Awareness and Prevalence of Mycotoxin Contamination in Selected Nigerian Fermented Foods. Toxins (Basel) 2017; 9:E363. [PMID: 29117141 PMCID: PMC5705978 DOI: 10.3390/toxins9110363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Revised: 11/03/2017] [Accepted: 11/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Fermented food samples (n = 191) including maize gruel (ogi), sorghum gruel (ogi-baba), melon seed (ogiri), locust bean (iru) and African oil bean seed (ugba) from Southwest Nigeria were quantified for 23 mycotoxins, including aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁), fumonisin B₁ (FB₁), and sterigmatocystin (STE) using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The practices, perceived understanding and health risks related to fungal and mycotoxin contamination amongst fermented food sellers was also established. Data obtained revealed that 82% of the samples had mycotoxins occurring singly or in combination. FB₁ was present in 83% of ogi-baba samples, whereas 20% of ugba samples contained AFB₁ (range: 3 to 36 µg/kg) and STE was present in 29% of the ogi samples. In terms of multi-mycotoxin contamination, FB₁ + FB₂ + FB₃ + STE + AFB₁ + alternariol + HT-2 co-occurred within one sample. The awareness study revealed that 98% of respondents were unaware of mycotoxin contamination, and their education level slightly correlated with their level of awareness (p < 0.01, r = 0.308). The extent to which the analyzed mycotoxins contaminated these food commodities, coupled with the poor perception of the population under study on fungi and mycotoxins, justifies the need to enact fungal and mycotoxin mitigation strategies along the food chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ifeoluwa Adekoya
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein 2028, South Africa.
| | - Patrick Njobeh
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein 2028, South Africa.
| | - Adewale Obadina
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein 2028, South Africa.
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta 2240, Nigeria.
| | - Cynthia Chilaka
- Laboratory of Food Analysis, Department of Bioanalysis, Ghent University, Ghent B-9000, Belgium.
| | - Sheila Okoth
- Department of Botany, School of Biological Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi 00100, Kenya.
| | - Marthe De Boevre
- Laboratory of Food Analysis, Department of Bioanalysis, Ghent University, Ghent B-9000, Belgium.
| | - Sarah De Saeger
- Laboratory of Food Analysis, Department of Bioanalysis, Ghent University, Ghent B-9000, Belgium.
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Marijani E, Nasimolo J, Kigadye E, Gnonlonfin GJB, Okoth S. Sex-Related Differences in Hematological Parameters and Organosomatic Indices of Oreochromis niloticus Exposed to Aflatoxin B 1 Diet. Scientifica (Cairo) 2017; 2017:4268926. [PMID: 29098110 PMCID: PMC5643127 DOI: 10.1155/2017/4268926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2017] [Accepted: 08/17/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
A 24-week feeding experiment was conducted to assess whether males and females of Oreochromis niloticus exhibit differences in their hematological responses and organosomatic indices to dietary AFB1 contamination. Triplicate groups of O. niloticus (initial body weight: 24.1 ± 0.6 g) were fed with four diets (Diets 1 to 4) containing 0, 20, 200, and 2,000 μg AFB1 kg-1. A significant decrease (P < 0.05) in hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cells (RBC), and hematocrit (Hct) was observed in AFB1 exposure groups, with the lowest levels recorded in the 2000 μg AFB1 kg-1 treatment. A significant increase in mean white blood cells (WBC), neutrophils, and lymphocytes was observed in AFB1 exposure groups. No sex-related differences in RBC, WBC, lymphocytes, monocytes, and neutrophils levels were observed. However, hemoglobin and hematocrit values for female O. niloticus were significantly lower than those for male O. niloticus. Organosomatic indices showed that the relative liver, kidney, and spleen weights were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the AFB1 supplemented group than in the control group. However, the effect of aflatoxin on organosomatic indices does not depend on sex but rather depends on the dose of aflatoxin in the diet. These results provide useful information for monitoring changes in the health status of male and female O. niloticus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Marijani
- The Open University of Tanzania, P.O. Box 23409, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- School of Biological Science, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197, Nairobi 00100, Kenya
| | - Johnson Nasimolo
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197, Nairobi 00100, Kenya
| | - Emmanuel Kigadye
- The Open University of Tanzania, P.O. Box 23409, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | - Sheila Okoth
- School of Biological Science, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197, Nairobi 00100, Kenya
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Maina P, Wachira P, Okoth S, Kimenju J. Distribution and Diversity of Indigenous Trichoderma species in Machakos County, Kenya. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.9734/bmrj/2015/18034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Nyongesa BW, Okoth S, Ayugi V. Identification Key for <i>Aspergillus</i> Species Isolated from Maize and Soil of Nandi County, Kenya. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.4236/aim.2015.54020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Okoth S, Nyongesa B, Ayugi V, Kang’ethe E, Korhonen H, Joutsjoki V. Toxigenic potential of Aspergillus species occurring on maize kernels from two agro-ecological zones in Kenya. Toxins (Basel) 2012; 4:991-1007. [PMID: 23202303 PMCID: PMC3509695 DOI: 10.3390/toxins4110991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2012] [Revised: 10/17/2012] [Accepted: 10/17/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Two agro-ecological zones in Kenya were selected to compare the distribution in maize of Aspergillus spp. and their toxigenicity. These were Nandi County, which is the main maize growing region in the country but where no human aflatoxicoses have been reported, and Makueni County where most of the aflatoxicosis cases have occurred. Two hundred and fifty-five households were sampled in Nandi and 258 in Makueni, and Aspergillus was isolated from maize. Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus isolates were tested for the presence of aflD and aflQ genes. Positive strains were induced to produce aflatoxins on yeast extract sucrose and quantified using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LCMSMS). Aspergillus flavus was the most common contaminant, and the incidence of occurrence in Nandi and Makueni was not significantly different (82.33% and 73.26%, respectively). Toxigenic strains were more prevalent than non-toxigenic strains. All the toxigenic strains from Makueni were of the S-type while those from Nandi belonged to the l-type. Quantitative differences in aflatoxin production in vitro between isolates and between strains were detected with S strains producing relatively larger amounts of total aflatoxins, B toxins and lower values for G toxins. This was in accord with the frequent aflatoxicosis outbreaks in Makueni. However some L strains produced considerable amounts of B toxins. Given the widespread distribution of toxigenic strains in both regions, the risk of aflatoxin poisoning is high when favorable conditions for toxin production occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheila Okoth
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nairobi P. O. Box 30197–00100 Nairobi, Kenya; (B.N.); (V.A.)
| | - Beatrice Nyongesa
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nairobi P. O. Box 30197–00100 Nairobi, Kenya; (B.N.); (V.A.)
| | - Vincent Ayugi
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nairobi P. O. Box 30197–00100 Nairobi, Kenya; (B.N.); (V.A.)
| | - Erastus Kang’ethe
- Department of Public Health Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Nairobi 30197-00100 Nairobi, Kenya;
| | - Hannu Korhonen
- Biotechnology and Food Research, MTT Agrifood Research, 31600 Jokioinen, Finland; (H.K.); (V.J.)
| | - Vesa Joutsjoki
- Biotechnology and Food Research, MTT Agrifood Research, 31600 Jokioinen, Finland; (H.K.); (V.J.)
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Njiru ZK, Makumi JN, Okoth S, Ndungu JM, Gibson WC. Identification of trypanosomes in Glossina pallidipes and G. longipennis in Kenya. Infection, Genetics and Evolution 2004; 4:29-35. [PMID: 15019587 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2003.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2003] [Revised: 11/12/2003] [Accepted: 11/14/2003] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to identify trypanosomes in Glossina pallidipes and G. longipennis caught in Kenya. Of 3826 flies dissected, 188 (4.9%) were parasitologically positive overall. The infection rate in G. pallidipes was 5.7% (187 of 3301 flies), but only one of 525 G. longipennis was infected (infection rate 0.2%). There was a higher infection rate in female G. pallidipes flies than male flies (chi(2) = 18.5, P < 0.001) and odds ratio = 2.5 (95% 1.6, 3.7). The infected flies were analysed by PCR using 10 sets of primers specific for species and subgroups within the subgenera Nannomonas, Trypanozoon and Duttonella. Of 188 parasitologically positive samples, PCR identified 137 (72.9%), leaving 51 (27.1%) non-identified. We recorded infection rates of 47.2% for Trypanosoma congolense savannah, forest and kilifi subgroups, 20.9% for T. simiae/T. simiae tsavo/T. godfreyi, 14.9% for T. brucei ssp. and 13.8% for T. vivax. Thirty-nine (26.7%) flies had mixed infections, with a minor association between T. congolense savannah/T. simiae tsavo/T. godfreyi (chi(2) = 6.93, d.f. = 1, P < 0.05). The relative proportion of each trypanosome species or subgroup varied between fly belts with T. congolense (all subgroups) being the most abundant and T. godfreyi the least. Statistical analysis showed that dissection method and PCR test classified infections independently (chi(2) = 10.5, d.f. = 1, P < 0.05 and kappa = 0.38). This study shows that pathogenic trypanosomes are widespread in all sampled testes fly belts with G. pallidipes as the main vector. Further, PCR test is more reliable in detecting and identifying trypanosomes than dissection method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z K Njiru
- Kenya Trypanosomiasis Research Institute, P.O. Box 362, Kikuyu, Kenya.
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Catley A, Okoth S, Osman J, Fison T, Njiru Z, Mwangi J, Jones BA, Leyland TJ. Participatory diagnosis of a chronic wasting disease in cattle in southern Sudan. Prev Vet Med 2001; 51:161-81. [PMID: 11535278 DOI: 10.1016/s0167-5877(01)00240-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
In southern Sudan, livestock keepers identified a chronic wasting disease in adult cattle as one of their most-serious animal-health problems. Participatory-appraisal (PA) methods and conventional veterinary-investigation methods were used to characterise the chronic wasting disease and identify linkages between indigenous knowledge and modern veterinary knowledge. The local characterisation of chronic wasting encompassed trypanosomosis, fasciolosis, parasitic gastroenteritis and schistosomosis (as both single and mixed infections).A standardised PA method called matrix scoring had good reproducibility when investigating local perceptions of disease-signs and disease causes. Comparison of matrix-scoring results showed much overlap with modern veterinary descriptions of cattle diseases and the results of conventional veterinary investigation. Applications of PA methods in remote areas with very limited veterinary infrastructure are discussed. The validation of data derived from PA is discussed by reference to the low sensitivity of 'field-friendly' diagnostic tests for important cattle diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Catley
- Participatory Approaches to Veterinary Epidemiology Project, Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Livelihoods Programme, International Institute for Environment and Development, 3 Endsleigh Street, London WC1H 0DD, UK.
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