Prevalence, Antifungal Resistance and Virulence Genes of Aspergillus flavus in Broiler Farm Environments

Faculty Veterinary Medicine Year: 2026
Type of Publication: ZU Hosted Pages:
Authors:
Journal: assiut veterinary medical journal assiut veterinary medical journal Volume:
Keywords : Prevalence, Antifungal Resistance , Virulence Genes , Aspergillus    
Abstract:
Fungal contamination in poultry farms poses significant hazards to broiler health, production and public health, considering the fact that the poultry industry represents a significant role in Egypt's economy and food security. The total fungal count (TFC), mold species prevalence, antifungal susceptibility patterns, and virulence genes of Aspergillus flavus isolated from broiler farms in Egypt's Sharkia Governorate were the main objectives of this study. In the summer and winter of 2025, 324 samples were taken from three commercial broiler farms. Cloacal swabs, air, water, litter, feed, workers' hands, equipment and wall swabs were among the investigated samples. Sabouraud Dextrose Agar was used in order to determine total fungal count (TFC) and microscopic and standardized culture methods were used to identify mold isolates. Two A. flavus isolates were assessed for their antifungal susceptibility using broth microdilution, and multiplex PCR was used to identify the virulence genes nor-1, ver-1 and omtA. The findings showed that the mean fungal load was highest in litter samples (6.24±0.35 log CFU/g) and lowest in air samples (3.68±0.32 log CFU/m³). Seasonal variation showed slightly higher contamination in summer. The most prevalent isolates were Aspergillus species, particularly A. flavus and A. ochraceus (12.5% each). Amphotericin-B had the most significant MIC values, while Luliconazole and lanoconazole demonstrated the strongest antifungal activity with the lowest MIC values. PCR verified that the isolates under investigation included aflatoxigenic genes. For the purpose to lower fungal contamination and related health hazards, these findings highlight poultry litter as the main fungal reservoir and emphasize the need for strict hygiene, biosecurity and ongoing monitoring.
   
     
 
       

Author Related Publications

    Department Related Publications

    • Hisham Hosny Elsayed Mohamed, "Maintenance behavior and carcass traits of two breeds of male rabbits in response to Androgenic Steroid", University of Sadat City, 2017 More
    • Hisham Hosny Elsayed Mohamed, "The effects of the different day times in the changes of behaviour in broilers.", University of Sadat City, 2017 More
    • Hisham Hosny Elsayed Mohamed, "A study on Calf’s Behavior and Growth Performance in Relation to Gestation Period and Lactation Season", SVU, 2018 More
    • Mariam Hassan Albanaa Mohamed, "Occurrence, virulence, carbapenem resistance, susceptibility to disinfectants and public health hazard of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from animals, humans and environment in intensive farms", Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd, 2022 More
    • Mai Farag Ibrahim Abdel Razek Saad, "Occurrence, virulence, carbapenem resistance, susceptibility to disinfectants and public health hazard of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from animals, humans and environment in intensive farms", Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd, 2022 More
    Tweet