Isolation of Fungi Associated with Maize and Estimation of Aflatoxin Levels Using ELISA Technique in Iraq

Abstract

This study aimed to detect fungal contamination and aflatoxin levels in yellow corn products available in local markets, given the importance of this crop as the third most consumed after wheat and rice. In line with the Iraqi National Standards Organization, which mandates that the aflatoxin level in maize should not exceed 10 micrograms per kilogram to ensure consumer safety, fifty samples of maize and its products were randomly collected from local markets in Baghdad, Babylon, and Najaf regions during August and September 2024 to verify fungal contamination and aflatoxin content. The samples were processed in the laboratory to detect fungal contamination using Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (Sab agar), and finally, all samples were tested for total aflatoxin content using the ELISA technique. The results showed that 40 samples contained various fungal species (yeasts, molds) such as Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus ochraceus, Aspergillus oryzae, Rhizopus spp., Mucor spp., Cladosporium spp., and Penicillium spp., whereas 10 samples contained varying levels of aflatoxin, with only one sample exceeded the permissible limit set by the Iraqi National Standards Organization. In conclusion, most of the tested samples were contaminated with fungi, but only a few contained mycotoxins at varying levels.

Keywords:

Fungi, aflatoxins, maize, ELISA