Disease: aflatoxicosis

Key sugar transporters drive development and pathogenicity in Aspergillus flavus

Researchers studied how Aspergillus flavus fungus transports sugars, which is crucial for its growth, producing the toxic aflatoxin that contaminates crops like corn and peanuts. By removing genes responsible for sugar transport, they found that the fungus became weak, couldn’t infect plants or animals effectively, and stopped producing the dangerous aflatoxin. This discovery could help develop new strategies to prevent aflatoxin contamination in food and reduce serious fungal infections in humans.

Read More »

Impact of Volatile Organic Compounds on the Growth of Aspergillus flavus and Related Aflatoxin B1 Production: A Review

Aspergillus flavus is a dangerous fungus that produces aflatoxin B1, a poison that can cause serious diseases and survives even when food is heated. Scientists have discovered that certain smelly chemicals called volatile organic compounds, produced by other organisms or plants, can stop this fungus from growing and making its toxin. This research suggests these natural chemicals could be used to protect our crops and food supply from contamination.

Read More »

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) biodegradation by a lignolytic phenoloxidase of Trametes hirsuta

Scientists discovered that a mushroom called Trametes hirsuta produces a special enzyme that can break down aflatoxin B1, a dangerous toxin that contaminates foods like peanuts, corn, and nuts. This enzyme is unique because it works without needing additional chemicals as helpers, making it practical for real-world use. The enzyme successfully degraded 77.9% of the toxin under simple conditions, and researchers suggest it could be applied directly to contaminated food surfaces as a safe, natural way to reduce food poisoning risks.

Read More »

Synergistic inhibition of Aspergillus flavus by organic acid salts: growth, oxidative stress, and aflatoxin gene modulation

A dangerous fungus called Aspergillus flavus contaminates animal feed and produces harmful toxins called aflatoxins that can make animals sick. Researchers tested a combination of three salt-based organic acids commonly used as natural food preservatives and found they work together to kill this fungus much better than using them individually. The combination damages the fungus’s cell structure, creates harmful reactive oxygen inside the cells, and shuts down the genes that produce the toxins, making it an excellent safe option for protecting animal feed.

Read More »

Inhibition Mechanism of Cinnamomum burmannii Leaf Essential Oil Against Aspergillus flavus and Aflatoxins

Researchers found that cinnamon leaf essential oil is highly effective at stopping a harmful fungus called Aspergillus flavus from growing and producing dangerous toxins called aflatoxins that contaminate stored foods like peanuts. The essential oil works by damaging the fungus’s cell membranes, disrupting its energy production, and triggering harmful stress responses within the fungal cells. This natural approach offers a safe, environmentally friendly alternative to chemical fungicides for protecting stored food crops from fungal contamination.

Read More »

Determination of Aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2 concentrations in cheese puffs made from corn flour in Iran

Researchers tested 27 cheese puff snack packages from three popular Iranian brands to check for aflatoxin contamination. Aflatoxins are harmful toxins produced by mold that can contaminate corn-based foods. All samples showed detectable aflatoxin levels, but fortunately, none exceeded the safe limits set by Iran or the European Union. However, experts recommend continuous monitoring of these products because even low-level aflatoxin exposure over time could harm health, especially in children who consume these snacks frequently.

Read More »

The putative forkhead transcription factor FhpA is necessary for development, aflatoxin production, and stress response in Aspergillus flavus

Aspergillus flavus is a fungus that contaminates crops and produces aflatoxins, dangerous toxins that can harm human health and reduce crop value. Scientists studied a specific regulatory gene called fhpA that controls how this fungus develops and produces aflatoxins. They found that removing this gene causes the fungus to produce more aflatoxins and more spores but lose the ability to form protective sclerotial structures, suggesting this gene could be a target for controlling aflatoxin contamination in foods.

Read More »
Scroll to Top