Study of the properties of Deoxynivalenol (DON) production in culture medium regarding to Aspergillus spp. isolates from processing factories in Northern Iran

Abstract

According to the increased fungi contaminations and related damages, microbiologist's incentive in considering the fungal contaminations in human habitats had increased. Some of fungi cause disease through production of toxins in animals as well as humans. Since these toxins are not easily distinguishable, then it is crucial to study their characteristics. <em>Aspergillus</em> are among the most important toxigenic fungi which are found abundantly in Northern Iran habitats where is one of most important habitats and the main source of many feed and food stuffs in the state. Thus, we have decided to study the Deoxynivalenol (DON) production characteristics in culture medium by collection of <em>Aspegillus</em> isolates in Northern Iran. Samples were collected from Northern Alborz and southern Caspian Sea agricultural plants culturing and processing centers. The mould samples were isolated and identified based on CBS environmental sampling rules and ICPA diagnostics standards. They were then cultured to stimulate the toxin production till the targeted toxin to be measured at culturing substrate and fungi biomass. Afterward, they were exposed to extraction and then DON was measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Amongst studied species,<em> A. melleus</em> (subgenus Circumdati/82.581 ppb) had the highest DON toxin production followed by <em>A.</em> spp. <em>VI</em> (subgenus Unclassifiable/50.803 ppb) and <em>A. parasiticus</em> (subgenus Circumdati/49.108 ppb). This report gives important information about the presence of DON in foodstuff. DON presence is a threat in Feed-Food processing; storing and packing which may be controllable by regular test and measuring of DON.