Effect of molecularly characterized Aspergillus flavus mycotoxin on poultry

Hamid, Mustafa H; Mohammed, Zeinab A; Rabee, Doaa Adil

doi:10.22092/ari.2026.371197.3922

Effect of molecularly characterized Aspergillus flavus mycotoxin on poultry

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Articles

Authors

¹ animal production / agriculture college /university of kerbala

² animal production /agriculture college /university of karbala/ kerbala ,iraq

³ food science department/ agriculture college /university of kerbala

10.22092/ari.2026.371197.3922

Abstract

This study aimed to isolate Aspergillus flavus from pellet poultry feed stored at the Animal Production Department, University of Karbala, and to evaluate its ability to produce mycotoxins. The fungal isolate was identified based on morphological characteristics and confirmed through molecular techniques and sequencing. The identified A. flavus strain was registered in the GenBank under the accession number PV163084.1, marking a significant contribution as a documented Iraqi isolate. Experimental exposure of poultry to the produced mycotoxins revealed notable histopathological alterations in the small intestine. These changes included damage to the intestinal villi, characterized by a reduction in their number and height, as well as narrowing of the intestinal lumen, in contrast to the control group, which exhibited normal intestinal architecture. Therapeutic interventions were evaluated to mitigate the toxic effects. Administration of a medicinal treatment to mycotoxin-exposed poultry resulted in partial restoration of intestinal structure, including increased villus height, enhanced enterocyte development, and heightened activity of endocrine cells within the intestinal crypts. Furthermore, dietary supplementation with clove powder at a concentration of 5 g/kg feed led to improved intestinal morphology, evidenced by increased enterocyte height, infiltration of immune cells, and elevated activity of enteroendocrine cells. Notably, the combined treatment of AV Nystatin (1 ml/liter of drinking water) and clove supplementation demonstrated the most pronounced protective effects. This combination significantly enhanced the height and integrity of intestinal villi, increased enterocyte proliferation, stimulated enteroendocrine cell activity, and promoted mucous gland development. These findings suggest that natural additives like cloves, especially when combined with antifungal agents, may offer a promising strategy to counteract the deleterious effects of A. flavus mycotoxins in poultry.

Keywords