Pakistan Veterinary Journal, cilt.39, sa.2, ss.163-168, 2019 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
Investigation of AFLD and AFLQ genes responsible for aflatoxin formation in concentrated feeds produced in Northern Syria and determination of chemical composition of these feed stuffs were main targets of this study. For this aim concentrated feed samples, from different ruminant and poultry feed suppliers, were collected. Crude protein, crude fat, crude cellulose, and crude ash were determined. Results indicated that the chemical compositions of the feed samples were varied. Aflatoxin levels of the feed samples were also analyzed and all samples were found to be contaminated with aflatoxin at various levels. Two genes responsible for the biosynthesis of aflatoxin B1 were amplified by means of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). The study found that the expression profiles of these two genes were consistently correlated with strain's ability to produce aflatoxins or not in yeast extract-sucrose (YES) agar. The aflatoxin concentrations determined by fluorescence HPLC-F were observed to be ranging from 0.1 to 60 Ag/ml of the AflD, and AflQ culture filtrates. The results are discussed in relation to the suitability of PCR based methodologies where individual isolates are being tested for potential toxin production to identify toxinogenic isolates of Aspergillus species.