Which species of Aspergillus produces aflatoxin G1 and G2?

Which species of Aspergillus produces aflatoxin G1 and G2? Aflatoxins are harmful chemicals produced by two species of fungi:  Aspergillus parasiticus and Aspergillus flavus. Aflatoxins are highly carcinogenic and toxic, causing diseases in animals and humans when they consume contaminated feeds. Various types of Aflatoxins are classified of B, G, and M. The B Aflatoxins emit a blue color, while the G Aflatoxins have a green light under the UV light. Aflatoxins B1 is produced by Aspergillus parasiticus and Aspergillus flavus molds and is the most carcinogenic and toxic. The M aflatoxins are metabolites of the B1 aflatoxins and are detected in the milk and urine of animals fed on contaminated feeds.

How many types of aflatoxin are there?

Which species of Aspergillus produces aflatoxin G1 and G2?

The Aspergillus mold is ubiquitous everywhere, especially during winter and autumn. It is also found at home in damp places, especially in bedding. The mold mainly grows on plants and produce such as corn, nuts, rice, crude vegetable oil, and other dried foods. It also grows on decayed vegetation, hay, and soil. High temperatures of about 80° F and moisture of about 85% humidity are favorable conditions for mold growth. The mold attacks field crops when there is delayed drying or damp storage. The presence of rodents and insects in the harvested crop also facilitates mold growth. Processed foods such as milk, yogurt, and cheese may also contain aflatoxins if the animal is fed on contaminated feeds.

Which species of Aspergillus produces aflatoxin G1 and G2?: Which fungi produce aflatoxins?

The Aspergillus mold belongs to the phylum Ascomycota, also known as sac fungi. This ‘s members species reproduces sexually through ascospores and asexually through conidia. The ascus is the identifying characteristic of this species, where meiosis and nuclear fission occur. Members of Ascomycota are the most dangerous of all fungi and cause severe infections and diseases in animals and humans. Conversely, some members help make products relevant to humans. For example, Penicillin is used to manufacture antibiotics, while yeast is used in baking, brewing, and wine fermentation. Truffles and morels are valuable members of Ascomycota, which are used as delicacies.

Aflatoxins cause aflatoxicosis in animals and humans, which is a hepatic disease. The disease affects people from all age groups and sexes, but young ones are the most susceptible. The disease causes reduced milk, egg production, and liver damage in animals. The symptoms include jaundice, anemia, low reproduction levels, decreased efficiency and feed utilization, and gastrointestinal dysfunction. Lactating animals are also affected by M1 aflatoxins, which are present in milk. In humans, the symptoms include vomiting, abdominal pain, hemorrhaging, edema, coma, convulsions, difficulty digestion and absorption of food, mental impairment, liver cancer, and death. Aflatoxins mainly affect the liver and suppress the immune system in animals and humans, causing cancer. Prolonged exposure to aflatoxins results in DNA mutations and impairment in growth and development. In animals and humans, the severity of the disease depends on various factors such as diet, length of exposure, sex, gender, environmental factors, and immunity.

What inspired me to write about aflatoxins is that it is one of the most toxic mycotoxins in the world. In addition, it affects staple foods such as grains, nuts, and corn, which are the most consumed globally. The fungi that produce aflatoxins are found worldwide, on nearly all continents. Thus, it was worth writing about aflatoxins as one of the most toxic mycotoxins in the world.