Inclusion of a phytogenic bend in broiler diet as a performance enhancer and anti-aflatoxin agent: Impacts on health, performance, and meat quality.

The objective of this study was to determine whether a phytogenic blend (PB), formulated based on organic acids, tannins, curcumin, and essential oils, could replace the antimicrobials commonly used as growth promoters in the poultry industry without compromising zootechnical performance, health, or meat quality. In addition, our goal was to report the anti-aflatoxin effect of this phytogenic blend. Four treatments were used: TC, or control; T250, T500, and T1000, representing test doses of 250, 500, 1000 mg PB/kg of feed, respectively, or a 34-day experiment (initial and growth phases). On day 22 of the study and age of the birds, 500 ppb of aflatoxin was included in the diet to represent an intestinal challenge and to evaluate the growth-promoting effects of PB. In the initial phase (up to 21 days), there were no differences between groups in weight gain, feed intake, or feed conversion. After adding an aflatoxin-contaminated feed, doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg minimized the adverse effects on feed consumption and feed conversion caused by aflatoxin; but 1000 mg/kg did not differ between groups. In birds that consumed PB (T250, T500, and T1000) compared to the control, there were the following changes: 1) lower counts of heterophiles, lymphocytes, and monocytes; 2) lower lipid peroxidation and high non-protein thiols levels in breast meat; 3) lower bacteria counts in broiler litter; and 4) lower ALT levels. Greater intestinal villus/crypt ratios were observed at T250 and T500. The dose of 250 mg/kg reduced saturated fatty acids and increased unsaturated fatty acids. The chemical-physical composition of the meat did not differ between treatments. The findings suggest that the addition of a PB has a high potential to improve performance for chickens in the growing stage and minimize the adverse effects of aflatoxicosis.

Toxic Effect of Aflatoxins in Dogs Fed Contaminated Commercial Dry Feed: A Review.

Since its first patent (1897), commercial dry feed (CDF) for dogs has diversified its formulation to meet the nutritional needs of different breeds, age, or special conditions and establish a foundation for integration of these pets into urban lifestyles. The risk of aflatoxicosis in dogs has increased because the ingredients used to formulate CDF have also proliferated, making it difficult to ensure the quality required of each to achieve the safety of the entire CDF. This review contains a description of the fungi and aflatoxins detected in CDF and the ingredients commonly used for their formulation. The mechanisms of action and pathogenic effects of aflatoxins are outlined; as well as the clinical findings, and macroscopic and microscopic lesions found in aflatoxicosis in dogs. In addition, alternatives for diagnosis, treatment, and control of aflatoxins (AF) in CDF are analyzed, such as biomarkers of effect, improvement of blood coagulation, rate of elimination of AF, control of secondary infection, protection of gastric mucosa, reduction of oxidative stress, use of chemo-protectors, sequestrants, grain-free CDF, biocontrol, and maximum permitted limits, are also included.

Lithothamnium calcareum (Pallas) Areschoug seaweed adsorbs aflatoxin B1 in vitro and improves broiler chicken's performance.

This study aimed to evaluate the aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) adsorption capacity of the seaweed Lithothamnium calcareum in vitro and to prevent aflatoxicosis in broiler chickens. In vitro adsorption assays were performed at a single AFB1 concentration (1 µg/mL) and four seaweed concentrations (0.50, 1, 1.5 and 2 mg/mL) at pH 3 and pH 6. The maximum adsorption was obtained at the lowest seaweed content (0.62 and 0.78 µg/mg). Male broiler chickens (256) were housed in metallic cages. Experimental diets were T1 (control), 18 µg/kg AFB1; T2, 18 µg/kg AFB1 and 0.2% L. calcareum (2.0 kg/ton); T3, 1018 µg/kg AFB1; and T4, 1018 µg/kg AFB1 and 0.2% L. calcareum. Performance parameters (live weight, weight gain and feed conversion rate) improved when seaweed was applied. The aspartate-aminotransferase and alanine-aminotransferase levels tend to decrease in birds receiving only seaweed, also the uric acid levels reduced significantly (P Ë‚ 0.05), while birds receiving only AFB1 increased the biochemical parameter levels. The livers from animals fed with AFB1 showed histopathological alterations with disorganization of periportal hepatocytes, necrosis with multifocal coagulation and mild fat degeneration; the livers from T4 had normal appearance. Lithothamnium calcareum was able to prevent aflatoxicosis in broiler chickens and also improved their zootechnical performance.

Immunohistopathological and Biochemical Study of the Effects of Dead Nettle (Urtica Dioica) Extract on Preventing Liver Lesions Induced by Experimental Aflatoxicosis in Rats / Estudio inmunohistopatológico y bioquímico de los efectos del extracto de la ortiga mayor (Urtica dioica) en la prevención de lesiones hepáticas inducidas por aflatoxicosis experimental en ratas

ABSTRACT Objective: Aflatoxicosis is a mycotoxicosis infection with an acute or chronic course that forms due to aflatoxins (AFs) in humans and animals. Aflatoxins primarily affect the liver and can lead to histopathological necrosis, fibrosis and hepatocarcinogenesis of the organ. This paper studied the preventive effects of dead nettle leaf (Urtica dioica leaf; UDL) extract on liver lesions that were induced by experimental aflatoxicosis in rats. Methods: A total of 30 rats were separated into three groups of 10 rats each. Experimental group A (control) received normal rat food, experimental group B (AFB1) received 2 mg/kg of AF, and experimental group C (AFB1 + UDL extract) received 2 mg/kg of AF + 2 ml/rat/day of UDL extract. After three months of experimentation, blood and tissue samples were taken from the rats by necropsy to perform chemical and histopathological analyses. Results: According to the biochemical and histopathological findings, antioxidant system activity increased and lipid peroxidation and liver enzyme levels decreased in the group that received UDL extract. Conclusion: The extract of UDL had hepatoprotective effects against aflatoxicosis.

RESUMEN Objetivo: La aflatoxicosis es una infección por micotoxicosis con un curso agudo o crónico producido por aflatoxinas (AF) en seres humanos y animales. Las aflatoxinas afectan principalmente el hígado y pueden conducir a necrosis histopatológica, fibrosis o hepatocarcinogénesis del órgano. En este trabajo se estudiaron los efectos preventivos del extracto de la hoja de ortiga mayor (Urtica dioica l; UDL) sobre las lesiones hepáticas inducidas por aflatoxicosis experimental en ratas. Métodos: Un total de 30 ratas se separaron en tres grupos de 10 ratas cada una. EL grupo experimental A (control) recibió comida normal de ratas; el grupo experimental B (AFB1) recibió 2 mg/kg de AF; y el grupo experimental C (AFB1 + extracto de UDL) recibió 2 mg/kg de AF + 2 ml/rata/día de extracto de UDL. Después de tres meses de experimentación, se tomaron muestras de sangre y tejidos de las ratas en una necropsia encaminada a realizar análisis químicos e histopatológicos. Resultados: Según los hallazgos bioquímicos e histopatológicos, la actividad del sistema antioxidante aumentó, y la peroxidación del lípido y los niveles de la enzima del hígado disminuyeron en el grupo que recibió el extracto de UDL. Conclusión: El extracto de UDL tuvo efectos hepatoprotectores contra la aflatoxicosis.

Xanthine oxidase activity exerts pro-oxidative and pro-inflammatory effects in serum of silver catfish fed with a diet contaminated with aflatoxin B1.

Several studies have associated the involvement of xanthine oxidase (XO) activity, a source of uric acid and reactive oxygen species (ROS), to pro-oxidative and pro-inflammatory effects during pathological conditions. Considering this, the aim of this study was to evaluate whether upregulation on seric XO activity may be a pathway involved in the oxidative stress in fish exposed to a diet contaminated with aflatoxin B1 (AFB1 ), as well as whether it may be considered a pathway involved in ROS and NOx production. Xanthine oxidase activity, as well as the uric acid, ROS and NOx levels increased in serum of fish fed with a AFB1 -contaminated diet on days 14 and 21 post-feeding compared to fish fed with a basal diet. Based on these evidences, upregulation of seric XO activity induces pro-oxidant and pro-inflammatory profiles in serum of fish fed with a AFB1 -contaminated diet due to excessive formation on uric acid. Also, the excessive uric acid induces the release of pro-oxidant and pro-inflammatory mediators, as ROS and NOx, also contributing to oxidative and inflammatory profiles. In summary, the upregulation on seric XO activity may be considered a pathway involved in the oxidative stress of fish exposed to a diet contaminated with AFB1 .

Surto de aflatoxicose aguda em cães no município de Pelotas/RS / Outbreak of acute aflatoxicosis in dogs in the municipality of Pelotas/RS, Brazil

As aflatoxinas pertencem ao grupo das micotoxinas e são substâncias sintetizadas durante a multiplicação de fungos que podem contaminar alimentos e rações animais, produzindo efeitos agudos ou crônicos naqueles que os consomem. Os cães são sensíveis aos efeitos tóxicos das aflatoxinas, havendo dificuldades de diagnóstico definitivo desta doença devido a fatores, como a inespecificidade dos sinais clínicos e o custo elevado da análise da presença de toxinas na alimentação. Desta forma, o objetivo deste artigo foi relatar um surto de aflatoxicose em dezoito caninos, no município de Pelotas - RS, no qual apenas um canino não veio a óbito, após a ingestão de quirelas de milho e arroz contaminadas. O diagnóstico definitivo de aflatoxicose aguda foi obtido através dos dados da anamnese, exames complementares, resultados de necropsia e histopatologia, além de análise da presença de toxinas na alimentação dos animais. Na necropsia observou-se degeneração e necrose hepática severa e na análise das amostras de alimento foi constatada a presença de aflatoxinas B1, B2, G1 e G2, em um somatório de 898,2μg/kg na quirela de milho e de 409,86μg/kg na de arroz. Assim sendo, medidas de conscientização acerca do controle e prevenção das micotoxicoses devem ser tomadas, salientando os possíveis danos à saúde dos animais. Além disto, métodos de identificação de micotoxinas, devem ser implementados na rotina hospitalar, incluindo a análise da ração oferecida, visto que a aflatoxicose, muitas vezes é subestimada.(AU)

Aflatoxins are mycotoxins synthesized during fungal multiplication and are able to contaminate food and animal feed, producing acute or chronic effects on consumers. Dogs are sensitive to this substance toxic. Disease final diagnosis has been hard to be made due to several factors, such as lack of specific clinical signs and high costs of testing for toxin presence in food. Thus, this paper aimed to report an aflatoxicosis outbreak in eighteen dogs in Pelotas - RS, Brazil. Only one dog has not come to death, after eating contaminated crushed corn and rice. Final diagnosis of acute aflatoxicosis was established through anamnesis, laboratory tests, necropsy and histopathological results, besides analysis of toxin presence in animal feed. At necropsy, degeneration and severe hepatic necrosis were observed and the analysis of food samples confirmed B1, B2, G1 and G2 aflatoxins, in an amount of 898.2μg/kg in crushed corn and 409.86μg/kg in rice. Therefore, awareness measures about control and prevention of mycotoxicosis should be taken, stressing the possible damage to the health of animals. Furthermore, mycotoxin identification methods must be implemented into routine clinical practice, including analysis of animal feed offered, since aflatoxicosis has often been underestimated.(AU)

Surto de aflatoxicose aguda em cães no município de Pelotas/RS / Outbreak of acute aflatoxicosis in dogs in the municipality of Pelotas/RS, Brazil

As aflatoxinas pertencem ao grupo das micotoxinas e são substâncias sintetizadas durante a multiplicação de fungos que podem contaminar alimentos e rações animais, produzindo efeitos agudos ou crônicos naqueles que os consomem. Os cães são sensíveis aos efeitos tóxicos das aflatoxinas, havendo dificuldades de diagnóstico definitivo desta doença devido a fatores, como a inespecificidade dos sinais clínicos e o custo elevado da análise da presença de toxinas na alimentação. Desta forma, o objetivo deste artigo foi relatar um surto de aflatoxicose em dezoito caninos, no município de Pelotas - RS, no qual apenas um canino não veio a óbito, após a ingestão de quirelas de milho e arroz contaminadas. O diagnóstico definitivo de aflatoxicose aguda foi obtido através dos dados da anamnese, exames complementares, resultados de necropsia e histopatologia, além de análise da presença de toxinas na alimentação dos animais. Na necropsia observou-se degeneração e necrose hepática severa e na análise das amostras de alimento foi constatada a presença de aflatoxinas B1, B2, G1 e G2, em um somatório de 898,2μg/kg na quirela de milho e de 409,86μg/kg na de arroz. Assim sendo, medidas de conscientização acerca do controle e prevenção das micotoxicoses devem ser tomadas, salientando os possíveis danos à saúde dos animais. Além disto, métodos de identificação de micotoxinas, devem ser implementados na rotina hospitalar, incluindo a análise da ração oferecida, visto que a aflatoxicose, muitas vezes é subestimada.(AU)

Aflatoxins are mycotoxins synthesized during fungal multiplication and are able to contaminate food and animal feed, producing acute or chronic effects on consumers. Dogs are sensitive to this substance toxic. Disease final diagnosis has been hard to be made due to several factors, such as lack of specific clinical signs and high costs of testing for toxin presence in food. Thus, this paper aimed to report an aflatoxicosis outbreak in eighteen dogs in Pelotas - RS, Brazil. Only one dog has not come to death, after eating contaminated crushed corn and rice. Final diagnosis of acute aflatoxicosis was established through anamnesis, laboratory tests, necropsy and histopathological results, besides analysis of toxin presence in animal feed. At necropsy, degeneration and severe hepatic necrosis were observed and the analysis of food samples confirmed B1, B2, G1 and G2 aflatoxins, in an amount of 898.2μg/kg in crushed corn and 409.86μg/kg in rice. Therefore, awareness measures about control and prevention of mycotoxicosis should be taken, stressing the possible damage to the health of animals. Furthermore, mycotoxin identification methods must be implemented into routine clinical practice, including analysis of animal feed offered, since aflatoxicosis has often been underestimated.(AU)

Acute aflatoxicosis in swines in Northeastern Brazil / Aflatoxicose aguda em suínos no Nordeste do Brasil

Background: Aflatoxins are hepatotoxic mycotoxins derived from the secondary metabolism of toxigenic fungi belonging to the genus Aspergillus, especially A. flavus and A. parasiticus. Aflatoxin B1 is the most important metabolite, because of its deleterious effect mainly to the liver, especially for its carcinogenic, mutagenic and haemorrhagic properties, and usually is detected in higher concentrations in contaminated substrates. This paper reports the epidemiological, clinical, pathological and toxicological aspects of an outbreak of acute aflatoxicosis in pigs raised in Northeastern Brazil. Case: The cases occurred in a complete cycle farm, in the city of Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, Northeastern Brazil, in pigs ingesting low quality (moldy) corn being produced and processed on the farm. Sixty (73.1%) out of 82 two to five-months old pigs were clinicaly affected and 54 (65.8%) died. All animals showed fever, weight loss, tachycardia, tachypnea, lethargy, muscle tremors, muscle weakness and diarrhea. The clinical course ranged from five to 48 hours. Adult pigs were not affected. At necropsies, generalized jaundice, ascites, hydropericardium, petechial hemorrhages in the mesentery, subcutaneous edema and mesocolon were observed. The liver was yellow-orange with reddish diffuse multifocal areas, enlarged and extremely friable. Histologically there was swelling of hepatocytes [...]

Acute aflatoxicosis in swines in Northeastern Brazil / Aflatoxicose aguda em suínos no Nordeste do Brasil

Background: Aflatoxins are hepatotoxic mycotoxins derived from the secondary metabolism of toxigenic fungi belonging to the genus Aspergillus, especially A. flavus and A. parasiticus. Aflatoxin B1 is the most important metabolite, because of its deleterious effect mainly to the liver, especially for its carcinogenic, mutagenic and haemorrhagic properties, and usually is detected in higher concentrations in contaminated substrates. This paper reports the epidemiological, clinical, pathological and toxicological aspects of an outbreak of acute aflatoxicosis in pigs raised in Northeastern Brazil. Case: The cases occurred in a complete cycle farm, in the city of Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, Northeastern Brazil, in pigs ingesting low quality (moldy) corn being produced and processed on the farm. Sixty (73.1%) out of 82 two to five-months old pigs were clinicaly affected and 54 (65.8%) died. All animals showed fever, weight loss, tachycardia, tachypnea, lethargy, muscle tremors, muscle weakness and diarrhea. The clinical course ranged from five to 48 hours. Adult pigs were not affected. At necropsies, generalized jaundice, ascites, hydropericardium, petechial hemorrhages in the mesentery, subcutaneous edema and mesocolon were observed. The liver was yellow-orange with reddish diffuse multifocal areas, enlarged and extremely friable. Histologically there was swelling of hepatocytes [...](AU)

Aflatoxicose em cães na região Sul do Rio Grande do Sul / Aflatoxicosis in dogs in Southern Rio Grande do Sul

Descrevem-se os aspectos clinicopatológicos de casos de aflatoxicose em cães no Sul do Rio Grande do Sul. Foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo dos casos diagnosticados como aflatoxicose em cães necropsiados no Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico (LRD) da Faculdade de Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPel) no período de 1978 a 2012. Em quatro casos o diagnóstico foi confirmado pela detecção de níveis de 89 a 191 ppb de aflatoxinas B1 e G1 no alimento dos cães. De um total de 27 cães com cirrose hepática, em seis havia suspeita de aflatoxicose pelas lesões macro e microscópicas e pelo tipo de alimentação que os cães recebiam. Os sinais clínicos nos casos confirmados e nos suspeitos caracterizaram-se por apatia, diarreia, icterícia e ascite, com evolução para morte em 8 a 30 dias nos casos confirmados e em 15 a 60 dias nos casos suspeitos. A dieta era à base de derivados de milho ou arroz, farelo de amendoim e, em um caso suspeito, a dieta era ração comercial. As alterações macroscópicas caracterizaram-se por ascite, icterícia, fígado aumentado de tamanho, com ou sem nódulos, hemorragia nas serosas, conteúdo intestinal hemorrágico. Os casos foram classificados de acordo com o padrão histológico principal, caracterizado por vacuolização difusa no citoplasma de hepatócitos nos casos agudos, por proliferação de ductos biliares e discreta fibroplasia nos casos subagudos e por fibrose acentuada nos casos crônicos. Aparentemente, a enfermidade não é importante como causa de morte em cães na região, no entanto, alerta-se para a possibilidade de casos com diagnóstico de cirrose hepática sem causa determinada serem causados por aflatoxicose.(AU)

Clinical pathological aflatoxicosis in dogs is described in southern Rio Grande do Sul. It was conducted a retrospective study of cases diagnosed as aflatoxicosis in dogs necropsied at the Regional Diagnostic Laboratory (LRD) of the Veterinary School of the Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel) in the period 1978-2012. In four cases the diagnosis was confirmed by detection of levels of aflatoxins B1 and G1, with the finding of 89-191ppb in the feed. The macroscopic and histologic lesions and the diet observed in six of 27 dogs with liver cirrhosis led to suspicion of aflatoxicosis. Clinical signs evidenced in confirmed or suspected cases were lethargy, diarrhea, jaundice and ascites, progressing to death within 8 to 30 days in confirmed cases, and within 15 to 60 days in suspected cases. The diet was corn and rice byproducts and peanut meal, and one of the dogs received commercial ration. Gross changes were characterized by ascites, jaundice, enlarged liver, with or without regenerative nodules, hemorrhages in serous membranes and bloody intestinal content. The cases were classified according to the main histological pattern, characterized by diffuse vacuolation of the cytoplasm of hepatocytes in acute cases, by proliferation of bile ducts, and mild fibrosis in subacute cases, and by severe fibrosis in chronic cases. Apparently the disease is not important as a cause of death in dogs in the region, nevertheless the possibility of cases of cirrhosis of unknown etiology would be caused by aflatoxicosis.(AU)

Aflatoxicose em cães na região Sul do Rio Grande do Sul / Aflatoxicosis in dogs in Southern Rio Grande do Sul

Descrevem-se os aspectos clinicopatológicos de casos de aflatoxicose em cães no Sul do Rio Grande do Sul. Foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo dos casos diagnosticados como aflatoxicose em cães necropsiados no Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico (LRD) da Faculdade de Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPel) no período de 1978 a 2012. Em quatro casos o diagnóstico foi confirmado pela detecção de níveis de 89 a 191 ppb de aflatoxinas B1 e G1 no alimento dos cães. De um total de 27 cães com cirrose hepática, em seis havia suspeita de aflatoxicose pelas lesões macro e microscópicas e pelo tipo de alimentação que os cães recebiam. Os sinais clínicos nos casos confirmados e nos suspeitos caracterizaram-se por apatia, diarreia, icterícia e ascite, com evolução para morte em 8 a 30 dias nos casos confirmados e em 15 a 60 dias nos casos suspeitos. A dieta era à base de derivados de milho ou arroz, farelo de amendoim e, em um caso suspeito, a dieta era ração comercial. As alterações macroscópicas caracterizaram-se por ascite, icterícia, fígado aumentado de tamanho, com ou sem nódulos, hemorragia nas serosas, conteúdo intestinal hemorrágico. Os casos foram classificados de acordo com o padrão histológico principal, caracterizado por vacuolização difusa no citoplasma de hepatócitos nos casos agudos, por proliferação de ductos biliares e discreta fibroplasia nos casos subagudos e por fibrose acentuada nos casos crônicos. Aparentemente, a enfermidade não é importante como causa de morte em cães na região, no entanto, alerta-se para a possibilidade de casos com diagnóstico de cirrose hepática sem causa determinada serem causados por aflatoxicose.

Clinical pathological aflatoxicosis in dogs is described in southern Rio Grande do Sul. It was conducted a retrospective study of cases diagnosed as aflatoxicosis in dogs necropsied at the Regional Diagnostic Laboratory (LRD) of the Veterinary School of the Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel) in the period 1978-2012. In four cases the diagnosis was confirmed by detection of levels of aflatoxins B1 and G1, with the finding of 89-191ppb in the feed. The macroscopic and histologic lesions and the diet observed in six of 27 dogs with liver cirrhosis led to suspicion of aflatoxicosis. Clinical signs evidenced in confirmed or suspected cases were lethargy, diarrhea, jaundice and ascites, progressing to death within 8 to 30 days in confirmed cases, and within 15 to 60 days in suspected cases. The diet was corn and rice byproducts and peanut meal, and one of the dogs received commercial ration. Gross changes were characterized by ascites, jaundice, enlarged liver, with or without regenerative nodules, hemorrhages in serous membranes and bloody intestinal content. The cases were classified according to the main histological pattern, characterized by diffuse vacuolation of the cytoplasm of hepatocytes in acute cases, by proliferation of bile ducts, and mild fibrosis in subacute cases, and by severe fibrosis in chronic cases. Apparently the disease is not important as a cause of death in dogs in the region, nevertheless the possibility of cases of cirrhosis of unknown etiology would be caused by aflatoxicosis.

Incidência de aflatoxinas no amendoim (Arachis hypogaea L) cru emcasca da região da Alta Paulista-SP, durante o período de 2011 a 2012 / Incidence of aflatoxins in the raw peanut (Arachis hypogaea L) in shell ofAlta Paulista-SP region during the period from 2011 to 2012

As aflatoxinas são metabólitos secundários produzidos pelas espécies do gênero Aspergillus e a frequente ingestão de alimentos contendo teores de aflatoxinas tem sido correlacionada às neoplasias hepáticas pela International Agency for Reseach on Cancer (IARC). Foram analisadas 966 amostras de amendoim cru em casca, coletadas no período de fevereiro a maio, correspondente à época de colheita das safras 2010-2011 e 2011-2012. Para detecção de aflatoxinas foram utilizadas as metodologias de coluna de imunoafinidade acoplada à fluorometria (CIA) e cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (CLAE), seguindo-se os parâmetros estabelecidos pela Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária. Foram detectadas aflatoxinas acima do limite máximo tolerado pela legislação em 12,6 % e 19,5 % das amostras, respectivamente nas safras de 2011 e 2012. Na safra de 2010-2011, a faixa de contaminação foi de 21-52 mg/kg, e na safra de 2011-2012 a faixa de contaminação variou de 28-260 mg/kg, cujo valor é cinco vezes maior quando comparado ao obtido em 2011. Os maiores índices de contaminação foram encontrados nos períodos com menor índice pluviométrico, tanto em 2011 quanto em 2012. Por conseguinte, a realização de rastreamento é necessária durante toda a cadeia produtiva do amendoim, com a finalidade de propiciar alimentos seguros à saúde humana e animal.(AU)

Aflatoxins are the secondary metabolites produced by the species of Aspergillus genus, and the frequent intake of aflatoxin-containing foods has been correlated with the occurrence of hepatic neoplasms by the International Agency for Reseach on Cancer (IARC). This study analyzed 966 samples of raw peanuts in shell, collected in the period from February to May, corresponding to the harvest seasons of 2010- 2011 and 2011-2012. For detecting aflatoxins, immunoaffinity column coupled with fluorometry (CIA) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methodologies were employed, following the parameters established by the Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária. Aflatoxins were detected in amount above the maximum tolerated by the legislation in 12,6 % and 19,5 % of samples, corresponding to 2011 and 2012 harvests, respectively. In the 2010-2011 season the range of contamination was 21-52 mg/kg, and for 2011-2012 crop the range of contamination varied from 28 to 260 mg/kg, being the value five times higher than those observed in 2011. The highest contamination indices were found in periods with lower rainfall in both 2011 and 2012. Therefore, the peanut tracking is required during the entire production chain of this product in order to provide safe food for human and animal health.(AU)

Intoxicação experimental por aflatoxina em bezerros / Experimental aflatoxin poisoning in calves

Foram realizados dois experimentos para determinar os efeitos tóxicos de diferentes doses de aflatoxinas em bezerros, considerando-se aspectos clínicos, produtivos e patológicos. ... No primeiro experimento, o ganho de peso dos bezerros recebendo AFB1 foi equivalente ao do grupo controle durante todo período experimental. ...Durante o período experimental, e três semanas após o término desse período, não foram observados sinais clínicos e alterações histopatológicas associadas ao consumo de aflatoxinas, em qualquer dos bezerros do grupo tratamento do primeiro experimento.... Níveis alterados da atividade sérica de FA e GGT foram observados em todos os bezerros do grupo tratamento durante grande parte do período experimental. Queda acentuada do nível da AS sérica foi observada na coleta do 49º dia do experimento no bezerro que recebia a maior dose de aflatoxina. Não foram observadas variações no hematócrito e na atividade sérica da AST, nem nos níveis séricos de proteína total, bilirrubina total e bilirrubina direta em qualquer dos bezerros desse experimento. Alterações histopatológicas nos bezerros intoxicados incluíram proliferação de ductos biliares, degeneração citoplasmática vacuolar consistente com acumulação hepatocelular de lipídios, fibrose periportal, ou em ponte, megalocitose, fibrose subendotelial das veias hepáticas terminais e edema. Achados de necropsia do bezerro recebendo a maior dose de AFB1 incluíram fígado levemente aumentado de tamanho, difusamente amarelo-claro e firme, discreta ascite, edema de mesentério e submucosa do abomaso. Os dados obtidos nesses experimentos permitem afirmar que doses de 500±100 ppb de AFB1 não causam alterações patológicas e produtivas em bezerros em condições experimentais, mas podem estar associadas à mínimas alterações bioquímicas, enquanto doses de 1.250, 2.500 e 5.000 ppb de aflatoxina B1 causam doença hepática crônica em bezerros em condições experimentais.(AU)

Two experiments were performed in order to determine the toxic effects of varying doses of aflatoxins in calves. Clinical, productive and pathologic aspects of affected calves were considered….During all the experimental period of the first experiment, the weight gain of the calves receiving AFB1 was equivalent to that of the control group.…During the whole experimental period and up to three weeks after the final of the experiment, no clinical signs or histopathological changes associated with the consumption of aflatoxins were observed in any of the calves of the first experiment….Increased activity of AF and GGT were observed in all the calves of the treated group during most part of the experimental period. A marked drop in the serum levels of SA was observed in the serum sampled on the 49º day of the experiment in the calf receiving. the largest dose of aflatoxin. No changes were observed regarding PCV, TP, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin and in the serum activity of AST in any of the calves of the second experiment. Histopathological changes in intoxicated calves included bile duct proliferation, cytoplasmic vacuolar hepatocelular degeneration consistent with hepatocelular deposit of lipids, periportal to bridging fibrosis, megalocytosis, subendothelial edema and fibrosis in terminal hepatic veins. Necropsy findings in the euthanatized calf which receive de largest doses of AFB1 included slight enlargement of the liver which was firm and diffusely light-yellow, mild ascites, and edema of the mesentery and of abomasal folds. Data stemmed from these two experiments allow to conclude that AFB1 doses of 500±100 in the ration do not cause pathologic changes or decrease in productivity in calves kept in experimental conditions, but can be associated to minimal serum biochemistry; while AFB1 doses of 1.250, 2.500 e 5.000 ppb in the ration cause chronic hepatic disease in calves in kept in experimental conditions.(AU)

Intoxicação experimental por aflatoxina em bezerros / Experimental aflatoxin poisoning in calves

Foram realizados dois experimentos para determinar os efeitos tóxicos de diferentes doses de aflatoxinas em bezerros, considerando-se aspectos clínicos, produtivos e patológicos. ... No primeiro experimento, o ganho de peso dos bezerros recebendo AFB1 foi equivalente ao do grupo controle durante todo período experimental. ...Durante o período experimental, e três semanas após o término desse período, não foram observados sinais clínicos e alterações histopatológicas associadas ao consumo de aflatoxinas, em qualquer dos bezerros do grupo tratamento do primeiro experimento.... Níveis alterados da atividade sérica de FA e GGT foram observados em todos os bezerros do grupo tratamento durante grande parte do período experimental. Queda acentuada do nível da AS sérica foi observada na coleta do 49º dia do experimento no bezerro que recebia a maior dose de aflatoxina. Não foram observadas variações no hematócrito e na atividade sérica da AST, nem nos níveis séricos de proteína total, bilirrubina total e bilirrubina direta em qualquer dos bezerros desse experimento. Alterações histopatológicas nos bezerros intoxicados incluíram proliferação de ductos biliares, degeneração citoplasmática vacuolar consistente com acumulação hepatocelular de lipídios, fibrose periportal, ou em ponte, megalocitose, fibrose subendotelial das veias hepáticas terminais e edema. Achados de necropsia do bezerro recebendo a maior dose de AFB1 incluíram fígado levemente aumentado de tamanho, difusamente amarelo-claro e firme, discreta ascite, edema de mesentério e submucosa do abomaso. Os dados obtidos nesses experimentos permitem afirmar que doses de 500±100 ppb de AFB1 não causam alterações patológicas e produtivas em bezerros em condições experimentais, mas podem estar associadas à mínimas alterações bioquímicas, enquanto doses de 1.250, 2.500 e 5.000 ppb de aflatoxina B1 causam doença hepática crônica em bezerros em condições experimentais.

Two experiments were performed in order to determine the toxic effects of varying doses of aflatoxins in calves. Clinical, productive and pathologic aspects of affected calves were considered….During all the experimental period of the first experiment, the weight gain of the calves receiving AFB1 was equivalent to that of the control group.…During the whole experimental period and up to three weeks after the final of the experiment, no clinical signs or histopathological changes associated with the consumption of aflatoxins were observed in any of the calves of the first experiment….Increased activity of AF and GGT were observed in all the calves of the treated group during most part of the experimental period. A marked drop in the serum levels of SA was observed in the serum sampled on the 49º day of the experiment in the calf receiving. the largest dose of aflatoxin. No changes were observed regarding PCV, TP, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin and in the serum activity of AST in any of the calves of the second experiment. Histopathological changes in intoxicated calves included bile duct proliferation, cytoplasmic vacuolar hepatocelular degeneration consistent with hepatocelular deposit of lipids, periportal to bridging fibrosis, megalocytosis, subendothelial edema and fibrosis in terminal hepatic veins. Necropsy findings in the euthanatized calf which receive de largest doses of AFB1 included slight enlargement of the liver which was firm and diffusely light-yellow, mild ascites, and edema of the mesentery and of abomasal folds. Data stemmed from these two experiments allow to conclude that AFB1 doses of 500±100 in the ration do not cause pathologic changes or decrease in productivity in calves kept in experimental conditions, but can be associated to minimal serum biochemistry; while AFB1 doses of 1.250, 2.500 e 5.000 ppb in the ration cause chronic hepatic disease in calves in kept in experimental conditions.

Aflatoxicosis en chinchillas (Chinchilla lanigera) / Aflatoxicosis in chinchillas (Chinchilla lanigera)

Objetivo. Determinar los efectos de las aflatoxinas (AF) en chinchillas (Chinchilla lanigera) por consumo de dietas contaminadas a diferentes concentraciones. Materiales y métodos. Un total de 20 chinchillas macho se distribuyeron en 5 grupos experimentales de 4 animales cada uno, los cuales recibieron diferentes niveles de aflatoxinas totales en el alimento durante 8 semanas: 0, 25, 50, 100 y 200 ppb. Semanalmente se determinó el consumo de alimento, el peso corporal individual y la mortalidad. Adicionalmente, al finalizar el experimento, se investigó el metabolismo hepático in vitro de la aflatoxina B1 (AFB1) en animales no expuestos al tóxico y se realizó examen histopatológico del hígado en todos los grupos. Resultados. El consumo de dietas contaminadas con aflatoxinas no causó efectos sobre el consumo de alimento ni hubo mortalidad. Solamente se observó disminución significativa (p<0.05) en la ganancia de peso corporal en los animales expuestos a 200 ppb en la dieta. Los niveles de 100 y 200 ppb (ng/g) de aflatoxinas indujeron cambios leves a moderados en el hígado. El metabolismo microsomal de la AFB1 demostró la producción del epóxido de la AFB1 como único metabolito. Conclusiones. Los resultados del presente estudio demuestran que la chinchilla es altamente resistente a las aflatoxinas, pudiendo tolerar durante al menos dos meses niveles de aflatoxinas en el alimento que resultarían letales, en apenas unos pocos días, para especies sensibles como el cerdo o el perro.

Surto de aflatoxicose em bezerros no Rio Grande do Sul / Outbreak of aflatoxicosis in calves in southern Brazil

Um surto de aflatoxicose crônica é relatado em bezerros de raça leiteira. Quarenta bezerros holandeses machos de quatro meses de idade e aproximadamente 100kg eram mantidos em gaiolas individuais de 1,5 x 1,5m e alimentados com uma ração constituída por feno de alfafa, milho quebrado e substituto de leite. Seis bezerros (15 por cento) morreram após apresentar uma doença caracterizada por mau desenvolvimento geral, diarreia, pelagem áspera, dor abdominal, tenesmo, prolapso de reto e bruxismo. Alguns bezerros "deitavam e rolavam" no chão da gaiola. A duração do curso clínico, segundo observado pelos proprietários, foi de 2-3 dias; muitos terneiros desse lote que não morreram permaneceram pouco desenvolvidos. Três bezerros foram necropsiados. Os achados de necropsia incluíam fígado firme e castanho-claro, marcados hidrotórax e ascite, e edema do mesentério, mesocólon e das dobras da mucosa do abomaso. Os principais achados histopatológicos estavam restritos ao fígado e consistiam de fibrose, moderada megalocitose, hiperplasia de ductos biliares e lesão veno-oclusiva. A procura por contaminação de Senecio spp. no feno de alfafa resultou negativa. A análise do milho do alimento dos bezerros por cromatografia de camada delgada revelou 5.136ppb de aflatoxina B1. O diagnóstico de aflatoxicose foi feito baseado nos sinais clínicos e patologia característicos, na ausência de Senecio spp. na alimentação dos terneiros e na presença de altos níveis de aflatoxina no milho da alimentação dos bezerros.(AU)

An outbreak of chronic aflatoxicosis is reported in dairy calves. Forty 4-month-old male Holstein calves of approximately 100kg were kept in individual cages of 1.5 x 1.5m and were fed a ration constituted by alfalfa hay, broken corn and milk substitute. Six calves (15 percent) died after presenting a disease characterized by general unthriftiness, diarrhea, rough hair coats, abdominal pain, prolapsed rectum, grinding of teeth, and lying down and rolling. The clinical course, as observed by the owners, was 2-3 days; however many calves in this lot that did not die, remained underdeveloped. Three calves were necropsied. Necropsy findings included firm, light tan livers and marked hydrothorax, ascites and edema of the mesentery, mesocolon and of the mucosal folds of the abomasum. Main histopathological changes were restricted to the liver and consisted of fibrosis, moderate megalocytosis, biliary duct hyperplasia and veno-occlusive disease. The search for Senecio spp. contamination in the alfalfa hay resulted negative. The analysis by thin layer chromatography of the corn fed to calves revealed 5,136 ppb of aflatoxin B1. A diagnosis of aflatoxicosis was made based on the characteristic clinical signs and pathology, on the absence of Senecio spp. in the food and on the presence of high levels of aflatoxin in the corn fed to the calves.(AU)

Surto de aflatoxicose em bezerros no Rio Grande do Sul / Outbreak of aflatoxicosis in calves in southern Brazil

Um surto de aflatoxicose crônica é relatado em bezerros de raça leiteira. Quarenta bezerros holandeses machos de quatro meses de idade e aproximadamente 100kg eram mantidos em gaiolas individuais de 1,5 x 1,5m e alimentados com uma ração constituída por feno de alfafa, milho quebrado e substituto de leite. Seis bezerros (15 por cento) morreram após apresentar uma doença caracterizada por mau desenvolvimento geral, diarreia, pelagem áspera, dor abdominal, tenesmo, prolapso de reto e bruxismo. Alguns bezerros "deitavam e rolavam" no chão da gaiola. A duração do curso clínico, segundo observado pelos proprietários, foi de 2-3 dias; muitos terneiros desse lote que não morreram permaneceram pouco desenvolvidos. Três bezerros foram necropsiados. Os achados de necropsia incluíam fígado firme e castanho-claro, marcados hidrotórax e ascite, e edema do mesentério, mesocólon e das dobras da mucosa do abomaso. Os principais achados histopatológicos estavam restritos ao fígado e consistiam de fibrose, moderada megalocitose, hiperplasia de ductos biliares e lesão veno-oclusiva. A procura por contaminação de Senecio spp. no feno de alfafa resultou negativa. A análise do milho do alimento dos bezerros por cromatografia de camada delgada revelou 5.136ppb de aflatoxina B1. O diagnóstico de aflatoxicose foi feito baseado nos sinais clínicos e patologia característicos, na ausência de Senecio spp. na alimentação dos terneiros e na presença de altos níveis de aflatoxina no milho da alimentação dos bezerros.

An outbreak of chronic aflatoxicosis is reported in dairy calves. Forty 4-month-old male Holstein calves of approximately 100kg were kept in individual cages of 1.5 x 1.5m and were fed a ration constituted by alfalfa hay, broken corn and milk substitute. Six calves (15 percent) died after presenting a disease characterized by general unthriftiness, diarrhea, rough hair coats, abdominal pain, prolapsed rectum, grinding of teeth, and lying down and rolling. The clinical course, as observed by the owners, was 2-3 days; however many calves in this lot that did not die, remained underdeveloped. Three calves were necropsied. Necropsy findings included firm, light tan livers and marked hydrothorax, ascites and edema of the mesentery, mesocolon and of the mucosal folds of the abomasum. Main histopathological changes were restricted to the liver and consisted of fibrosis, moderate megalocytosis, biliary duct hyperplasia and veno-occlusive disease. The search for Senecio spp. contamination in the alfalfa hay resulted negative. The analysis by thin layer chromatography of the corn fed to calves revealed 5,136 ppb of aflatoxin B1. A diagnosis of aflatoxicosis was made based on the characteristic clinical signs and pathology, on the absence of Senecio spp. in the food and on the presence of high levels of aflatoxin in the corn fed to the calves.

Thermolysed and active yeast to reduce the toxicity of aflatoxin

Aflatoxins are hepatotoxic metabolites produced by Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus on a number of agricultural commodities. This research was carried out to evaluate the ability of thermolysed and active Saccharomyces cerevisiae to attenuate liver damage caused by aflatoxin. Diets were prepared containing 0 aflatoxin; 400 mug kg-1 aflatoxin; 400 mug kg-1 aflatoxin plus 1% of dehydrated active yeast, and 400 mug kg-1 aflatoxin plus 1% of thermolysed yeast. A bioassay with Wistar rats was conducted for 28 days, and body organs were weighted and analyses of the liver tissue of the animals were performed. The relative weight of heart, kidneys and liver from animals submitted to the different treatments did not show any difference, and liver tissue of animals feeding on the aflatoxin-free diet was adopted as a toxicity-free pattern. Hepatic tissue of animals feeding on diets containing 400 mug kg-1 aflatoxin or the diet supplemented with 1% thermolysed yeast showed clear signs of toxicity and damage. Hepatic tissue of animals feeding on the diet containing 1% of dehydrated active yeast showed less toxicity signs and damage than those receiving the diet containing 400 mug kg-1 aflatoxin. Active, dehydrated yeast had the ability to reduce toxic effects caused by aflatoxin, but thermolysed yeast was not able to alleviate the effects of aflatoxin toxicity.

As aflatoxinas são metabólitos hepatotóxicos produzidos por algumas linhagens de Aspergillus flavus, A. parasiticus e, eventualmente, por A. nomius sobre grande número de produtos agrícolas. Esta pesquisa foi conduzida para avaliar a capacidade de Saccharomyces cerevisiae, nas formas termolisada e desidratada viva, em reduzir os danos causados por aflatoxinas. Para tal, foi preparada uma dieta básica e desta se obtiveram quatro formulações: uma como controle; as demais contaminadas com aflatoxinas na concentração de 400 mig kg-1, sendo duas com posterior adição de 1% de leveduras, uma na forma termolisada e outra como desidratada viva. Um bioensaio com duração de 28 dias foi efetuado com ratos Wistar. Foram realizados os estudos do peso relativo de órgãos internos e a análise do tecido hepático dos animais. Os pesos relativos de órgãos internos de animais submetidos aos diferentes tratamentos não diferiram estatísticamente entre si; o tecido do fígado dos animais submetidos à dieta livre de aflatoxinas foi adotado como padrão de isento de toxidez; o tecido hepático dos animais que receberam dieta controle com aflatoxinas apresentaram sinais claros de toxicidade; os animais que receberam dieta com aflatoxinas + 1% de levedura termolisada apresentaram sinais de toxicidade semelhantes ao controle com aflatoxinas; o tecido hepático dos animais que receberam dieta com aflatoxinas + 1% de levedura viva apresentaram sinais de toxicidade menores do que os animais que receberam a dieta controle com aflatoxinas. As leveduras termolisadas não foram capazes de suprimir os efeitos das aflatoxinas; as leveduras vivas apresentaram habilidade de reduzir os efeitos promovidos por aflatoxinas.

Thermolysed and active yeast to reduce the toxicity of aflatoxin

Aflatoxins are hepatotoxic metabolites produced by Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus on a number of agricultural commodities. This research was carried out to evaluate the ability of thermolysed and active Saccharomyces cerevisiae to attenuate liver damage caused by aflatoxin. Diets were prepared containing 0 aflatoxin; 400 mug kg-1 aflatoxin; 400 mug kg-1 aflatoxin plus 1% of dehydrated active yeast, and 400 mug kg-1 aflatoxin plus 1% of thermolysed yeast. A bioassay with Wistar rats was conducted for 28 days, and body organs were weighted and analyses of the liver tissue of the animals were performed. The relative weight of heart, kidneys and liver from animals submitted to the different treatments did not show any difference, and liver tissue of animals feeding on the aflatoxin-free diet was adopted as a toxicity-free pattern. Hepatic tissue of animals feeding on diets containing 400 mug kg-1 aflatoxin or the diet supplemented with 1% thermolysed yeast showed clear signs of toxicity and damage. Hepatic tissue of animals feeding on the diet containing 1% of dehydrated active yeast showed less toxicity signs and damage than those receiving the diet containing 400 mug kg-1 aflatoxin. Active, dehydrated yeast had the ability to reduce toxic effects caused by aflatoxin, but thermolysed yeast was not able to alleviate the effects of aflatoxin toxicity.

As aflatoxinas são metabólitos hepatotóxicos produzidos por algumas linhagens de Aspergillus flavus, A. parasiticus e, eventualmente, por A. nomius sobre grande número de produtos agrícolas. Esta pesquisa foi conduzida para avaliar a capacidade de Saccharomyces cerevisiae, nas formas termolisada e desidratada viva, em reduzir os danos causados por aflatoxinas. Para tal, foi preparada uma dieta básica e desta se obtiveram quatro formulações: uma como controle; as demais contaminadas com aflatoxinas na concentração de 400 mig kg-1, sendo duas com posterior adição de 1% de leveduras, uma na forma termolisada e outra como desidratada viva. Um bioensaio com duração de 28 dias foi efetuado com ratos Wistar. Foram realizados os estudos do peso relativo de órgãos internos e a análise do tecido hepático dos animais. Os pesos relativos de órgãos internos de animais submetidos aos diferentes tratamentos não diferiram estatísticamente entre si; o tecido do fígado dos animais submetidos à dieta livre de aflatoxinas foi adotado como padrão de isento de toxidez; o tecido hepático dos animais que receberam dieta controle com aflatoxinas apresentaram sinais claros de toxicidade; os animais que receberam dieta com aflatoxinas + 1% de levedura termolisada apresentaram sinais de toxicidade semelhantes ao controle com aflatoxinas; o tecido hepático dos animais que receberam dieta com aflatoxinas + 1% de levedura viva apresentaram sinais de toxicidade menores do que os animais que receberam a dieta controle com aflatoxinas. As leveduras termolisadas não foram capazes de suprimir os efeitos das aflatoxinas; as leveduras vivas apresentaram habilidade de reduzir os efeitos promovidos por aflatoxinas.

Avaliação do hemograma, reticulócitos e mielograma na intoxicação subaguda experimental por aflatoxina em cães

The aflatoxins are between the metabolics products nature of toxic and produced are by genus of fungi Aspergillus. The objective of the present study was to verify alterations of aflatoxicosis through of evaluation hemogram, reticulocyte count and myelogram in dogs. Eleven males and nine female dogs were used. Dogs were randomly allocated into two groups. Group I was treated with l4g/kg/day of aflatoxin and group II with 2lg/kg/day. The drug was given miled with feed and treatment lasted for 20 days. After the beginning of intoxication, individual blood and bone marrow samples were taken weekly for six weeks. The two group to clinical signs present of intoxication by aflatoxin the hemogram and reticulocyte count not showed significative variation. The myelogram showed a total reduction in the erythroid series and number of megacaryocytes significative increase myeloid serie and myeloid: erythroid ratio (M: E).

As aflatoxinas estão entre os produtos metabólicos de natureza tóxica e são produzidos por fungos do gênero Aspergillus. O presente trabalho tem como objetivo, verificar as possíveis alterações da aflatoxicose através da avaliação do hemograma, contagem de reticulócitos e mielograma em cães. Foram utilizados vinte cães (9 fêmeas e 11 machos), os quais foram divididos aleatoriamente em dois grupos de dez animais. O grupo I recebeu l4g de aflatoxina/kg/dia e o grupo II 21 g de aflatoxina/kg/dia, via oral, durante vinte dias. Após foram realizadas colheitas de sangue e medula óssea, a cada sete dias, durante seis semanas. Ambos os grupos apresentaram sinais clínicos de intoxicação por aflatoxina, o hemograma e a contagem de reticulócitos não demonstraram variações significativas. No mielograma, observou-se acentuada diminuição da série eritróide e do número de megacariócitos, aumento significativo da série mielóide e proporção mielóide: eritróide (M:E).