Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a carcinogenic secondary metabolite of filamentous Aspergillus species. This study investigated the effects of Saudi Arabian (local) and Egyptian (imported) Aspergillus flavus-associated AFB1 on rats (hematological parameters, liver, and kidneys). Saudi Arabian and Egyptian A. flavus-associated AFB1 (0.5 mg/kg) were separately fed to two groups of five rats each for 21 days. The control group (5 rats) was fed water and a basal pellet diet for 21 days (a total of 15 rats, 5 rats in each treated group and 5 rats as control). The blood samples from the rats in all the groups were subsequently examined for complete blood count (CBC) data [red blood cell (RBC), neutrophil, and platelet counts; basophil counts; eosinophil, hemoglobin (Hb) content; monocyte, lymphocyte, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) counts; mean corpuscular volume (MCV); mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC); and white blood cell (WBC)]. Liver function was assessed by examining the serum levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and albumin in all groups. The kidney function test was based on the levels of uric acid, urea, creatinine, and urea. AFB1-induced histopathological changes were observed under a light microscope. One-way ANOVA coupled with Tukey’s LSD test revealed that AFB1 in both isolates (Saudi Arabian and Egyptian) significantly decreased the RBC count, whereas a significant increase in the platelet, WBC, neutrophil, and monocyte counts was noted. Compared with the control treatment, Saudi Arabian AFB1 treatment significantly reduced the MCH and MCHC values. The serum levels of AST, ALP, urea, and creatinine were significantly greater in the Saudi Arabian AFB1-treated group than in the other two groups, whereas the level of ALB was significantly lower in this group than in the Egyptian AFB1-treated group and controls. Histological examination of the liver revealed central vein dilatation and congestion of the portal area with leucocyte infiltration in both AFB1-treated groups, which led to substantial cell mortality. Both AFB1 treatments caused hypertrophied hepatocytes with pyknotic nuclei and granular vacuolated cytoplasm. The AFB1-treated groups presented marked renal damage characterized by cupping of Bowman's capsule, glomerular membrane disruption, and tubular damage. However, adverse effects were more severe in the Saudi Arabian AFB1-treated group. Both AFB1 treatments induced hematological and organ toxicity in rats. However, the toxicity of Saudi Arabian A. flavus-associated AFB1 was more pronounced than that of Egyptian A. flavus-associated AFB1. The findings of the current study may help improve hygiene measures to lower mycotoxin contamination in commercial food products, as well as emphasise the health hazards posed by A. flavus-contaminated household foodstuffs.

Keywords – Aflatoxin B1 – Aspergillus flavus – Hematology – Kidney – Liver – Rats – Toxicity