Aspergillus fumigatus toxicity and gliotoxin natural incidence in feedstuffs intended to domestic animals and pets

PENA G.A; PEREYRA C.M, ARMANDO M.R; CHIACCHIERA S.M, MAGNOLI C.E, ORLANDO J, DALCERO A.M, CAVAGLIERI L.

LETTERS IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY

WILEY-BLACKWELL PUBLISHING, INC

Año: 2010 vol. 50 p. 77 - 81

0266-8254

  Aims. To evaluate gliotoxin production by Aspergillus fumigatus strains isolated from feedstuff intended for domestic animals and pets and to determine the incidence of gliotoxin in these substrates. Methods and Results. A total of 150 feedstuff samples were collected. They represented 30 samples each of five different feed types (pigs, poultry, cattle, horse and pets). Aspergillus fumigatus gliotoxin production ability and gliotoxin presence in feedstuff was determined by HPLC. Aspergillus fumigatus strains were isolated from all kinds of the tested samples. Strains from cattle, horses and pet food were able to produce gliotoxin. Corn silage samples intended for cattle did not show gliotoxin contamination levels. All other tested samples had gliotoxin levels from 29 to 209 µg g-1. Horse and poultry feed samples had the highest contamination frequency. Conclusion. Feeds samples contaminated with gliotoxin are potentially toxic for animals. Significance and Impact of Study. The presence of gliotoxin could affect animal productivity and health. Moreover, there are risks of contamination to farm workers who handle improperly stored animal feed. Aspergillus fumigatus strains isolated from different sources must be investigated to determine possible prevention and control strategies.