Molecular characterization and aflatoxin biosynthetic gene profiles of Aspergillus flavus associated with maize and chili in Bangladesh.

Aflatoxin biosynthetic gene profiles in Aspergillus flavus from Bangladesh show high genetic diversity with variable aflatoxin gene detection across maize and chili populations.

• Why it matters: Understanding the genetic diversity and gene distribution of A. flavus is crucial for developing targeted strategies to monitor and control aflatoxin contamination in tropical food systems.
• What they did: Researchers analyzed 38 isolates from maize and chili using morphological assessment, ITS sequencing, SSR genotyping, and PCR detection of four key aflatoxin pathway genes, revealing high diversity and gene variability.
• The result: The study found widespread presence of the regulatory gene aflR and variable detection of structural genes like aflP, indicating potential differences in aflatoxin biosynthesis related to host and geographic origin, aiding future surveillance efforts.