Aflatoxigenic Fungi: Its Impact on Plant, Animal and Human Health

Aflatoxigenic fungi, primarily belonging to the Aspergillus genus (A. flavus, A. parasiticus), are responsible for producing aflatoxins—highly toxic and carcinogenic secondary metabolites. These fungi pose significant risks to plant health, animal health, and human well-being due to their widespread contamination of food and feed. Aflatoxigenic fungi impact plants by causing diseases, and yield loss leads to economic loss and contamination. In connection with animals, aflatoxigenic fungi create toxicity in livestock, contamination of animal products, mortality, and economic loss. Finally, concerning humans, aflatoxigenic fungi lead to acute toxicity, carcinogenic effects, immune suppression, and nutritional risk.