Evaluation of Aflatoxin-Producing Fungi in Indoor Air of Warehouses and Houses of Farmers in Giwa, Kaduna State Nigeria

The health risks associated with ingesting food contaminated mycotoxins, particularly aflatoxin-contaminated staple foods like maize and other cereals, have been widely studied. However, there is little knowledge about the role of inhalation pathogenic fungi as bioaerosols in air from handling crops an occupational risk. This paper presents a study aimed at determining level airborne aflatoxin-producing indoor grain stores Giwa community Kaduna State. Indoor was sampled using settling plate technique stores, warehouses living rooms. Metrological data studied area were collected Institute Agricultural Research, ABU, Zaria. Airborne mycofloral concentrations determined, colonies Aspergillus flavus identified. isolates screened for aflatoxin production on Neutral Red Desiccated Coconut Agar (NRDCA). Selected fungal presence aflD (nor-1), aflM (ver-1) AflR genes by PCR. Sampling done once every month October to December 2020. Mycofloral range 2.77x103−4.05x103 1.55x103−2.17x103CFUm-3for rooms respectively. A total twelve (12) strains A. isolated while none obtained room. Eleven (11) confirmed be aflatoxigenic NRDCA, presenting 30 CFUm-3 composition. aflD, aflR amplified being most detected gene all mould species. higher than those room and, sampling sites, exceeded limit concentration 500 agricultural industrial environments. There significant differences (p<0.05) between stores/warehouses indicates that handlers traders are risk exposure aflatoxins. Hence, they should wear protective materials their safety working such stores.