Aflatoxin B1 Quantities in Wheat Grains and Their Pathogenicity on Rats

Fletcher, Mary M.; Shahin, Mahmood M.; Nassem, Hanaa Atef

doi:10.21608/jsaes.2025.345597.1121

Aflatoxin B1 Quantities in Wheat Grains and Their Pathogenicity on Rats

Document Type : Original research paper

Authors

¹ Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), The University of Queensland, Health and Food Sciences Precinct, Coopers Plains, QLD 4108, Australia

² Queensland Health Forensic and Scientific Services (QHFSS), Australia Hospital & Health Care Laboratory, Queensland, Australia.

³ Plant protection,faculty of agriculture,Tanta uni,Tanta,Gharbia,Egypt

10.21608/jsaes.2025.345597.1121

Abstract

Wheat grain samples were randomly collected from various shops and markets in Brisbane City, Queens-land, Australia, and were found to be contaminated with Aspergillus sp. fungi. The quantification of the Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) levels was determined by using an ELISA test. Results showed that all wheat grain samples contained high levels of AFB1, ranging between (30.0-40.5) μg/ kg. Biochemical analyses demonstrated that feeding rats with wheat grain samples contaminated by AFB1 for 3 weeks led to significant weight loss and gain enlargement of the liver and kidney of rats, comparing with the control. The quantities of HC and RBC were increased, while the number of WBC was dropped. In addition, the activities of liver enzyme of AST, ALT, and ALP were significantly increased, and the concentrations of kidney marks of urea and creatinine were significantly increased too comparing with the control. Histological analysis showed that liver of control rats exhibited normal morphology. In contrast, the livers of treated rats showed marked disseminated portal fibrosis and congestion, infiltration by inflammatory cells and necrosis. Whereas, kidney of control rats showed typical kidney morphology. While kidney of treated rats showed severe disseminated tubular necrosis, infiltration by inflammatory cells, and disseminated segmental glomerular necrosis. The results confirmed that AFB1 quantities in grains affected seriously on health and made risks through biochemical and histopathological changes in vital organs, liver and kidneys. Effective management strategies and strict regulations should be taken to control Aflatoxin B1 levels in agricultural grains for avoiding risks in food and feed.

Keywords