Fungal contamination of dried vine fruits and ochratoxin a detection in grape juice from Duhok, Iraq

Introduction: Dried vine fruits (raisins) and their juice are widely consumed by human as a diet. Raisins have been shown highly contaminated with ochratoxin A (OTA) and OTA-producing fungi. Ochratoxin A is a potent nephrotoxic and carcinogen to human and animals. Materials and Methods: Dried vine fruit samples was obtained from local shops for fruit juice and soft drinks in Duhok province. Two different media, Dichloran R ose Ben gal Chloromphenicol Agar (DRBC) and Dichloran 18 % Glycerol Agar (DG-18) was used for the counting and isolation of fungi from dried vine fruits. Grape juice were prepared from dried vine fruit after blending with water in a commercial blender. Natural contamination with ochratoxin A was detected by LC-MS/MS technique. Results and Discussion: All samples confirmed to be contaminated with fungi with various degrees. A total of 19 filamentous genera of fungi as well to Yeasts and non sporulation mycelium was detected. Predominant genera detected on both media were Aspergillus and Penicillium. Detected value of ochratoxn A in juices obtained from dried vine fruits was between 0.37 ng/ml to 1.85 ng/ml. Samples contaminated with ochratoxin A were associated withAspergillus carbonarius, A. niger aggregate, A. sclerotium, A. ochraceus, and Penicillum verrucosum. Conclusion: Dried vines fruit were highly contaminated with a broad spectrum of filamentous fungi. Black aspergilli were the most detected species from samples naturally contaminated with ochratoxin A