Acta Vet. Brno 2016, 85: 151-156

https://doi.org/10.2754/avb201685020151

Rapid diagnostic testing of toxigenic microfungi isolated from foodstuffs

Marie Jefremova1, Vladimír Ostrý1, František Malíř2, Jiří Ruprich1

1National Institute of Public Health in Prague, Centre for Health, Nutrition, and Food, Brno, Czech Republic
2University of Hradec Králové, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic

Received August 28, 2015
Accepted May 2, 2016

The aim of this study was to experimentally test chromogenic media and reagents for a rapid diagnosis of toxigenic microfungi Aspergillus flavus, A. carbonarius, A. ochraceus, Penicillium expansum, P. verrucosum, and P. citrinum isolated from foodstuffs. Toxigenic microfungi of Aspergillus and Penicillium species are considered to be of major relevance for human and animal health. The presence of these toxigenic microfungi in foodstuffs and feedstuffs raises a potential risk of mycotoxins (for example presence of aflatoxins, cyclopiazonic acid, ochratoxin A, patulin or citrinin). In order to reduce the risks for consumers’ health, it is necessary to set rapid methods for toxigenic microfungi isolated from foodstuffs and also feedstuffs. Application of chromogenic media and reagents presents one of the possibilities. The selected strains of toxigenic microfungi, producing mycotoxins, were tested on chromogenic media. The chromogenic media and reagents in our study are suitable for a microbiological and mycological laboratory. The benefits of chromogenic media and reagents include a rapid diagnosis within 48–72 h, simple preparation, easy availability and relatively low prices.

Funding

This study was supported by the Ministry of Health, Czech Republic – conceptual development of the research organization (‘National Institute of Public Health – NIPH, IN 75010330’) and by institutional research of the Faculty of Science (‘Programme in Biology and Chemistry’), University in Hradec Králové, Czech Republic.

References

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