ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF Aspergillus flavus FROM POULTRY FEED SAMPLES USING COMBINED TRADITIONAL-MOLECULAR APPROACH AND EXPRESSION OF CYP64A1 AT mRNA LEVEL

The research work was aimed for isolation and identification of Aspergillus flavus from poultry feed samples using conventional and molecular techniques. Out of 23 samples, 8 (34.78%) were found positive for A. flavus. The molecular techniques comprise comparison of ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region. In addition, the ability of the isolates to express aflatoxin synthase (CYP64A1) gene in synthetic liquid medium was also analyzed. Based on cultural characteristics, unique nature of the ITS 1 and 2 genes and expression of CYP64A1 at mRNA level, A. flavus was accurately identified from the feed samples. The isolated A. flavus would be a potential candidate for further studies and application.