Ochratoxin

It was discovered as a metabolite of Aspergillus ochraceus in 1965 during a large screen of fungal metabolites designed specifically to identify new mycotoxins.

Fungi that produce them

Found as metabolites of many different species of Aspergillus, including A. alliaceus, A. aurico- mus, A. carbonarius, A. glaucus, A. melleus, and A. niger.

Early reports implicated several Penicillium species. Now Penicillium verrucosum, is the only confirmed ochratoxin producer in this genus.

Substrates

Ochratoxin A has been found in barley, oats, rye, wheat, coffee beans, and other plant products.

It may be present in certain wines, especially those from grapes contaminated with A. carbonarius.

Economic implications

Frequently found in pork intended for human consumption. Ochratoxin is believed to be responsible for a porcine nephropathy (extensively studied in the Scandinavian countries). Ochratoxin is also associated with disease and death in poultry.

Associated diseases

The kidney is the primary target organ. Ochratoxin A is a nephrotoxin to animal species and is most likely toxic to humans. Animal studies indicate that ochratoxin A is a liver toxin, an immune suppressant, a potent teratogen, and a carcinogen. It inhibits mitochondrial ATP production and stimulates lipid peroxidation.

Bennett & Klich, 2003, Breitenbach et al 2002, and Peraica et al, 1999