Toxicity, biochemical effects and residue of aflatoxin B1 in marine water-reared sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.)

Aflatoxicosis and resulting epizootic hepatoma have been reported among a wide range of fish where Aspergillus species-contaminated foodstuffs are incorporated into the diet. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is among the most potent known hepatotoxins and carcinogens. Therefore, it is an important potential toxicant to the most of the popularly cultured fish species. The present study was undertaken to assess the susceptibility and toxicity of AFB1 to sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.), by behavioral and biochemical evaluations. The estimated oral acute median lethal concentration (96 h LC50) of AFB1 for sea bass was 0.18 mg/kg bwt. The abnormal behavioral responses and signs of toxicity were described. The prolonged oral administration of 0.018 mg/kg bwt AFB1 to sea bass for 42 successive days induced a significant increase in serum transaminases and alkaline phosphatase activities, and significant decrease in plasma proteins. Residual AFB1 was detected at high levels (≈5 ppb) in fish musculature at the end of the experimental period. We conclude that marine water sea bass is a species highly sensitive to AFB1. In addition, consumption of sea bass reared on AFB1-contaminated diet could have a negative health impact on human health.