A qualitative and quantitative detection of ochratoxin A and identification of ochratoxigenic fungi in apple fruits

Background: Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin synthesized by some fungal species, and is frequently found as a contaminant in fruits, such as apples. It constitutes a significant health risk owing to its nephrotoxic, carcinogenic and immunosuppressive effects. Because of the large quantity level locally and internationally, apples may be a possible source of OTA exposure. Aims of the study: This experimental study investigation of the presence of OTA in local and imported apple fruits and the isolation and identification of OTA-producing fungi in Basrah Province, Iraq. Methods: This experimental study conducting in Basrah Province, including Al-Basrah, Al-Ashar, Al-Jziaer, and Al-Amteha from 1/1/2024 to 10/11/2025 include apple fruit (both locally and imported) were obtained from the markets and investigated for fungal contamination. Isolation and morphological identification of the fungal species and its molecular identification by ITS1-ITS4 region. The nucleotide sequences generated in this study were deposited in GenBank, with the accession numbers of OQ568539. 1, OQ568535. 1, OQ568530. 1, and OQ568528. 1. OTA production by the fungi isolated was evaluated through Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) and OTA concentration in apple samples was determined by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Fluorescence Detection (HPLC-FLD). Results: Various fungi were detected from apple samples and the predominant isolated fungi were Penicillium spp., Cladosporium spp., Aspergillus spp., and Alternaria spp. Molecular identification established Talaromyces purpureogenus, Penicillium fimorum, Aspergillus niger, and Aspergillus hiratsukae. TLC analysis revealed that the species T.purpureogenus and P.fimorum had the ability to produce OTA. The result of HPLC-FLD analysis indicated that the content of OTA varied from 98.5 ng/g in local apples to 88.5 ng/g in imported yellow apples from the smallest 61.2 ng/g of the imported green apples. Conclusions: The study confirmed the presence of OTA-producing fungi in both local and imported apple fruits in Basrah. The detection of OTA at varying concentrations highlights a potential food safety concern, emphasizing the need for continuous monitoring and proper storage conditions to minimize fungal contamination and OTA production.