Academia Open
Vol 10 No 1 (2025): June (In Progress)
Microbiology

Fungal Contamination and Aflatoxin Production in Storage Insects and Stored Food
Kontaminasi Jamur dan Produksi Aflatoksin pada Serangga Penyimpan dan Makanan yang Disimpan


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  • Athmar K. Khazal*,
  • Amel S. Abdulredha,
  • Dhia K. Kareem
Athmar K. Khazal
University of Basrah, College of Education for Pure Sciences, Department of Biology, Iraq *
Amel S. Abdulredha
University of Basrah, College of Education for Pure Sciences, Department of Biology, Iraq
Dhia K. Kareem
University of Basrah/ College of Education for Pure Sciences/ Department of Biology, Iraq

(*) Corresponding Author
Picture in here are illustration from public domain image or provided by the author, as part of their works
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21070/acopen.10.2025.10786
Published March 26, 2025
Keywords
  • Aspergillus,
  • Penicillium,
  • Cladosporium Storage insects,
  • Aflatoxin,
  • ELISA
How to Cite
Khazal, A. K., Abdulredha, A. S., & Kareem, D. K. (2025). Fungal Contamination and Aflatoxin Production in Storage Insects and Stored Food. Academia Open, 10(1), 10.21070/acopen.10.2025.10786. https://doi.org/10.21070/acopen.10.2025.10786

Copyright (c) 2025 Athmar K. Khazal, Amel S. Abdulredha, Dhia K. Kareem

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

Background: Stored food products are highly susceptible to fungal contamination, posing significant risks to food safety and public health. Insects that infest stored food act as carriers of mycotoxigenic fungi, further exacerbating contamination. Knowledge Gap: While fungal contamination in stored food is well-documented, the role of storage insects in fungal transmission and aflatoxin production remains underexplored. Aims: This study aimed to isolate and identify fungi associated with storage insects and assess their potential for aflatoxin production. Methods: A total of 750 fungal isolates were obtained from four insect species collected from stored food across Basra Governorate. Fungal identification was conducted based on morphological and chemical characteristics, and aflatoxin production was analyzed using ELISA. Results: The dominant fungal genera included Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Penicillium, Rhizopus, and Yeast spp., with Aspergillus niger being the most prevalent (44.66%). All tested Aspergillus species, Cladosporium sp., and Penicillium sp. exhibited aflatoxin production, with the highest concentration (0.075 ppb) observed in Penicillium sp. Novelty: This study highlights the significant role of storage insects in fungal transmission and aflatoxin contamination, emphasizing A. niger's adaptation to storage conditions. Implications: These findings underscore the need for improved storage management and mycotoxin control strategies to mitigate health risks associated with contaminated food.

Highlights:

 

  1. Storage insects contribute to fungal contamination and aflatoxin production.

  2. Aspergillus niger dominates; multiple fungi produce aflatoxins in stored food.

  3. Strengthen storage management to reduce mycotoxin-related health risks.

Keywords: Aspergillus, Penicillium, Cladosporium Storage insects, Aflatoxin, ELISA.

 

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