Question

In feeds stored in an unhygienic way for long periods, 'Aflatoxins' are produced by

• A. Fusarium sp
• B. Bacillus sp
• C. Sacromysin sp
• D. Aspergillus sp

Hint:

Mycotoxins in Aquafeeds:
Aflatoxins ($B_1, G_1$) $\rightarrow \textit{Aspergillus flavus}$ & $\textit{A. parasiticus}$.
Ochratoxin $\rightarrow \textit{Aspergillus ochraceus} / \textit{Penicillium}$.
Trichothecenes (DON/T-2) $\rightarrow \textit{Fusarium}$ spp.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Mycotoxicology in storage feeds: high moisture storage allows toxigenic storage fungi like Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus to synthesize carcinogenic difuranocoumarin aflatoxins.
Key Formula or Approach:
\[ \text{Stored Feed (Moisture } > 13 - 14\%, \text{ Temp } > 25^\circ\text{C}) \xrightarrow{\text{Aspergillus flavus / A. parasiticus}} \text{Aflatoxins } (B_1, B_2, G_1, G_2) \]

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
In feed microbiology and mycotoxicology:
- When compound fish and animal feeds or feed ingredients (groundnut cake, maize) with moisture content $> 12 - 14\%$ are stored under warm, humid, unhygienic storage conditions:
- Toxigenic mold species of Genus {Aspergillus (specifically {Aspergillus flavus and {Aspergillus parasiticus) proliferate and secrete Aflatoxins (Aflatoxin $B_1, B_2, G_1, G_2$).
- Aflatoxin $B_1$ is a potent hepatotoxin and known carcinogen, causing hepatic necrosis, immunosuppression, and hepatocellular carcinoma in cultured fishes (trout, carps, tilapias).

Step 3: Final Answer:
Therefore, Aflatoxins are produced by Aspergillus sp, corresponding to option (D).