SOME STUDIES ON THE AFLATOXIN-PRODUCING ASPERGILLII IN MEAT-COLD STORES

A total of 100 random swab samples were obtained from different meat-cold stores in Ismailia city, 20 from each of the floor, walls, air, roofs and stored meat. All samples were subjected for mycological examination for detection
of mould contamination and aflatoxin production. A total of 482 mould strains could be isolated and identified. The higher frequency percentages were isolated from floor128(26,5%), followed by walls 102 (21.2%), air 89 (18.5%) and roofs 66(13.7%) as well as, from stored meat were 97(20.1%). Twelve mould genera could be detected, where the predominant were Aspergillus 164(34.0%) Cladosporium 91(18.9%) and Penicillium 78 (16.2%). Furthermore nine Aspergillus species were identified, the most of which were A.flavus link 46(28.0%), A.flavus varcolumnaris 41(25.0%), A.niger 28 (17.1%), A. nidulans 18(11.0%) and A.parasiticus 15(3.1%). The isolated Aspergillus flavus group were screened for toxin production. Out of 109 isolates of A.flavus species, 52(47.7%) strains were found to be aflatoxin producers. Aflatoxins B1,B2, Gland G2were secreted by 15(28.8%),16(30.8%), 15(28.8% and 6(11.6%) strains of A-flavus species, respectively. Significance of occurrence and public health importance of the isolated moulds, specially the aflatoxigenic strains were discussed.