AFLATOXINS, FUMONISINS AND TOXIGENIC FUNGI IN RAW

MARÍA GUILLERMINA FERNÁNDEZ JURI; FABIANA BRESSÁN; ANDREA LUCIANA ASTORECA; CARLA LORENA BARBERIS; LILIA RENÉE CAVAGLIERI; ANA MARÍA DALCERO; CARINA

Revista Brasilera de Medicina Veterinaria

Editora Pan Americana

Año: 2009 vol. 31 p. 109 - 117

The aims of this work were to isolate and identify Aspergillus, Penicillium and Fusarium species in raw materials and ready dog foods. Likewise, the natural occurrence of aflatoxins and fumonisins and the capacity to produce aflatoxins by Aspergillus section Flavi strains were evaluated. Raw materials and pelletized ready dog food samples were collected from factories located in central Argentina. Aflatoxin B1 and fumonisin B1 were quantified by high performance liquid chromatography. All samples showed moderate levels of contamination (103 to 104 CFU g-1). Aspergillus flavus, A. fumigatus and Fusarium verticillioides were the most prevalent species. The highest percentage (70%) of AFB1 producing- strains were isolated from ready pet food. Aflatoxin B1 was detected only in wheat and soybean pellet samples. Eighty five percent of ready dog food samples contained FB1 at levels from 2.0 to 166.9 ng g-1. The high frequency of aflatoxicogenic strains in some raw materials and ready dog food shows the potential risk for aflatoxin production if storage environmental conditions are not adequate. This manuscript makes a contribution to the knowledge of mycobiota and mycotoxins in raw materials and ready dog food.