Effect of ochratoxin A on Escherichia coli-challenged broiler chicks

The role of chamomile oil against ochratoxin A in quail breeders: productive and reproductive performances, egg quality, and blood metabolites

This study aimed to evaluate the beneficial role of chamomile essential oil in improving productive and reproductive performances, egg quality, and blood metabolites and reducing the toxic effect of Ochratoxin A (OTA) in quail breeder's diets. A total of 144 mature quails, 8 wk old, were divided into 6 groups. The treatments were: G1 (the control), G2 (supplemented with OTA 1 mg/kg diet), G3 (supplemented with chamomile oil 0.5 g/kg diet), G4 (supplemented with chamomile oil 1 G/kg diet), G5 (supplemented with OTA 1 mg/kg diet + chamomile oil 0.5 g/kg diet), and G6 (supplemented with OTA 1 mg/kg diet + chamomile oil 1 g/kg diet). The OTA administration alone significantly decreased egg production and mass in quail breeders (P < 0.0001). Moreover, poor feed conversion ratio (FCR), fertility percentage (P < 0.0001), and hatchability percentage (P < 0.0009) were recorded. A significant decline (P < 0.05) in the levels of serum protein (total protein and globulin) was also recorded in OTA-contaminated groups, along with elevated serum levels of liver enzymes such as alanine transaminase (ALT) and Aspartate transaminase (AST) and kidney function test as urea and creatinine levels (P < 0.05). Ochratoxin A-contaminated feed resulted in a significant elevation (P < 0.05) in total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), along with a significant reduction (P < 0.05) in antioxidant status and immunological response. The supplementation of chamomile essential oil, either 0.5 g/kg or 1g/kg, to the basal diet or OTA-supplemented feed, revealed a significant increase in hatchability %, fertility, egg mass, and egg production and better FCR, egg quality, and immunological status when compared to OTA only. Moreover, chamomile essential oil supplementation improves liver and kidney function markers, decreases LDL, VLDL), TG, and TC. Along with a significant increase (P < 0.05) in terms of antioxidant status as glutathione peroxidase enzyme (GPX), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and significantly (P < 0.05) improves immunological response as IgM, IgG, lysozyme and complement 3. In summary, chamomile oil supplementation, either separate or combined with OTA, reduced the adverse effects of OTA and led to improved productive and reproductive performance, egg quality, and blood metabolites in Japanese quail breeders.

Foodborne Diseases Due to Underestimated Hazard of Joint Mycotoxin Exposure at Low Levels and Possible Risk Assessment

The subject of this review paper is to evaluate the underestimated hazard of multiple mycotoxin exposure of animals/humans for the appearance of foodborne ailments and diseases. The significance of joint mycotoxin interaction in the development of foodborne diseases is discussed, and appropriate conclusions are made. The importance of low feed/food levels of some target mycotoxins co-contaminations in food and feedstuffs for induction of target foodborne mycotoxicoses is also studied in the available literature. The appropriate hygiene control and the necessary risk assessment in regard to possible hazards for animals and humans are also discussed, and appropriate suggestions are made. Some internationally recognized prophylactic measures, management of the risk, and the necessity of elaboration of new international regulations in regard to the maximum permitted levels are also carefully discussed and analysed in the cases of multiple mycotoxin contaminations. The necessity of harmonization of mycotoxin regulations and control measures at international levels is also discussed in order to facilitate food trade between the countries and to ensure global food safety.

Mitigation potential of individual and combined dietary supplementation of local Bentonite Clay and Distillery Sludge against Ochratoxin-A induced toxicity in broilers

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the ameliorative effects of dietary supplementation of local bentonite clay (BN) and distillery sludge (DS) alone and in combination on ochratoxin-A (OTA) induced toxicity in broilers. For this purpose, day-old-broiler chicks (n = 270) were procured from the local market and reared under standard management conditions. After 7 days of acclimatization, birds were divided into 2 main groups A and B with respect to OTA inclusion level in feed, each with four sub-groups viz. A1-A4, each challenged with OTA at a dietary inclusion level of 250 µg/kg feed and B1-B4, each challenged with OTA at the level of 500 µg/kg feed and a common control group that was fed with basal feed throughout the experiment. In groups A and B, BN and DS were administered with feed at the rate of 10 g/kg of feed and 5 g/kg of feed alone and in combination, respectively.

Results

Results showed that OTA administration alone resulted in poor feed conversion ratio (FCR) and immunological responses along with increased serum levels of alanine transaminase (ALT), Aspartate transaminase (AST), urea and creatinine (P < 0.05). A significant decrease (P < 0.05) in serum protein levels (albumin, globulin and total protein) was also observed in OTA-fed groups in a dose-dependent manner. The addition of BN at 10 g/kg of OTA-contaminated feed resulted in better FCR and immunological responses as compared to those fed OTA only. The BN supplementation also conferred protection against elevation of serum biochemical parameters when compared with OTA-fed groups. However, the addition of DS could not provide significant protection (P > 0.05) on alteration of serum biochemical parameters in response to the OTA induced toxicity. The combined supplementation of BN and DS resulted in amelioration of OTA-induced toxicity and showed improved FCR, immunological, hematological and serum biochemical parameters (P < 0.05) when compared with other groups. Similarly, BN and DS resulted in a significant decline (P < 0.05) in the OTA tissue residues compared with other groups and control.

Conclusion

In conclusion, combined dietary supplementation of BN (10 mg/kg) and DS (05 mg/kg) in feed reduced the toxic effects of OTA contamination at levels of 250 and 500 µg/kg of feed in broilers. So, the combination products of BN and DS may be successfully developed for use in poultry for protection against OTA-induced toxicity in broilers.

Aspergillus awamori attenuates ochratoxin A-induced renal and cardiac injuries in rabbits by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway and downregulating IL1β, TNFα, and iNOS gene expressions

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is one of the most dangerous and that pollute agricultural products, inducing a variety of toxic effects in humans and animals. The current study explored the protective effect of different concentrations of Aspergillus awamori (A. awamori) against OTA (0.3 mg/kg diet) induced renal and cardiac damage by exploring its mechanism of action in 60 New Zealand white male rabbits. Dietary supplementation of A. awamori at the selected doses of 50, 100, and 150 mg/kg diet, respectively, for 2 months significantly improved the rabbit's growth performance; modulated the suppressed immune response and restored the altered hematological parameters; reduced the elevated levels of renal injury biomarkers such as urea, creatinine, and alkaline phosphatase; and increased serum total proteins concentrations. Moreover, it also declined enzymatic activities of cardiac injury biomarkers, including AST, LDH, and CK-MB. A. awamori alleviated OTA-induced degenerative and necrotic changes in the kidney and heart of rabbits. Interestingly, A. awamori upregulated Nrf2/OH-1 signaling pathway. Therefore enhanced TAC, CAT, and SOD enzyme activities and reduced OTA-induced oxidative and nitrosative stress by declining iNOS gene expression and consequently lowered MDA and NO levels. In addition to attenuating renal and cardiac inflammation via reducing IL-1β, TNF-α gene expressions in a dose-dependent response. In conclusion,this is the first report to pinpoint that dietary incorporation of A. awamori counteracted OTA-induced renal and cardiac damage by potentiating the rabbit's antioxidant defense system through its potent antioxidant, free radical scavenging, and anti-inflammatory properties in a dose-dependent response. Based on our observations, A. awamori could be utilized as a natural protective agent against ochratoxicosis in rabbits.

Preparation of an Immunoaffinity Column Based on Bispecific Monoclonal Antibody for Aflatoxin B1 and Ochratoxin A Detection Combined with ic-ELISA

A novel and efficient immunoaffinity column (IAC) based on bispecific monoclonal antibody (BsMAb) recognizing aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) and ochratoxin A (OTA) was prepared and applied in simultaneous extraction of AFB₁ and OTA from food samples and detection of AFB₁/OTA combined with ic-ELISA (indirect competitive ELISA). Two deficient cell lines, hypoxanthine guanine phosphoribosyl-transferase (HGPRT) deficient anti-AFB₁ hybridoma cell line and thymidine kinase (TK) deficient anti-OTA hybridoma cell line, were fused to generate a hybrid-hybridoma producing BsMAb against AFB₁ and OTA. The subtype of the BsMAb was IgG₁ via mouse antibody isotyping kit test. The purity and molecular weight of BsMAb were confirmed by SDS-PAGE method. The cross-reaction rate with AFB₂ was 37%, with AFG₁ 15%, with AFM₁ 48%, with AFM₂ 10%, and with OTB 36%. Negligible cross-reaction was observed with other tested compounds. The affinity constant (Ka) was determined by ELISA. The Ka (AFB₁) and Ka (OTA) was 2.43 × 10⁸ L/mol and 1.57 × 10⁸ L/mol, respectively. Then the anti-AFB₁/OTA BsMAb was coupled with CNBr-Sepharose, and an AFB₁/OTA IAC was prepared. The coupling time and elution conditions of IAC were optimized. The coupling time was 1 h with 90% coupling rate, the eluent was methanol–water (60:40, v:v, pH 2.3) containing 1 mol/L NaCl, and the eluent volume was 4 mL. The column capacities of AFB₁ and OTA were 165.0 ng and 171.3 ng, respectively. After seven times of repeated use, the preservation rates of column capacity for AFB₁ and OTA were 69.3% and 68.0%, respectively. The ic-ELISA for AFB₁ and OTA were applied combined with IAC. The IC₅₀ (50% inhibiting concentration) of AFB₁ was 0.027 ng/mL, the limit of detection (LOD) was 0.004 ng/mL (0.032 µg/kg), and the linear range was 0.006 ng/mL~0.119 ng/mL. The IC₅₀ of OTA was 0.878 ng/mL, the LOD was 0.126 ng/mL (1.008 µg/kg), and the linear range was 0.259 ng/mL~6.178 ng/mL. Under optimum conditions, corn and wheat samples were pretreated with AFB₁-OTA IAC. The recovery rates of AFB₁ and OTA were 95.4%~105.0% with ic-ELISA, and the correlations between the detection results and LC-MS were above 0.9. The developed IAC combined with ic-ELISA is reliable and could be applied to the detection of AFB₁ and OTA in grains.

Nutrition During the Early Rearing Period Affects the Incidence of Wooden Breasts in Broilers

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between early nutrition and the incidence of wooden breasts (WB) in broilers. Sixteen male and twenty female neonatal ROSS 308 broiler chicks were divided equally into four flocks. From 0–12 days of age, starter diet H, composed of 22.4% crude protein (CP), 6.6% crude fat (CF), 1.25% lysine, 0.48% methionine, and ≥3,070 kcal/kg metabolizable energy (ME), was fed to two flocks, and starter diet L, composed of 19.9% CP, 2.5% CF, 1.04% lysine, 0.38% methionine, and ≥2,930 kcal/kg ME, was fed to the remaining two flocks. All the flocks were fed the same commercial finisher diet, composed of 20.3% CP, 7.5% CF, 1.18% lysine, 0.44% methionine, and ≥3,300 kcal/kg ME, from 12–47 days of age. The birds were weighed every 2–5 days, subjected to a wing-lift test, and histology was conducted on the pectoralis major muscle tissue samples from all the birds necropsied at 47 days of age. Significant differences in the mean body weight between groups H and L were observed during 6–16 days and 24–26 days of age in males and during 6–26 days of age in females. Regarding the score evaluation of the individual lesions reflecting wooden breast, the birds in which back-to-back wing contact was not possible had higher lesion scores than those in which back-to-back wing contact was possible. The absence of back-to-back wing contact appeared more frequently in flocks fed the starter diet L, particularly in males. These results indicate that inappropriate nutrition levels in the starter diet increase the incidence of WB. Therefore, avoiding early nutrition deficits is a cost-effective feeding strategy.

Nrf2: a main responsive element in cells to mycotoxin-induced toxicity

Nuclear factor erythroid 2-like 2 (Nrf2) is a transcription factor participating in response to cellular oxidative stress to maintain the redox balance. Generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and, in consequence, oxidative stress, are physiological as well as pathological processes which take place in almost all types of cells. Nrf2, in response to oxidative stress, activates expression and production of antioxidant enzymes to remove free radicals. However, the role of Nrf2 seems to be more sophisticated and its increased expression observed in cancer cells allows to draw a conclusion that its role is tissue—and condition—dependent. Interestingly, Nrf2 might also play a crucial role in response to environmental factors like mycotoxins. Thus, the aim of the study is to review the role of Nrf2 in cells exposed to most common mycotoxins to check if the Nrf2 signaling pathway serves as the main response element to mycotoxin-induced oxidative stress in human and animal cells and if it can be a target of detoxifying agents.

Ameliorating effect of Withania somnifera root extract in Escherichia coli-infected broilers

The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of aqueous Withania somnifera root (WSR) extract in broiler chicks experimentally infected with Escherichia coli O78 @ 10⁷ CFU/0.5 ml intraperitoneally. Clinical signs and mortality due to colibacillosis observed in infected chicks were mild and lasted for short duration in WSR extract supplemented group as compared with the nonsupplemented group. A significant increase in serum alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, lactate dehydrogenase, and creatine phosphokinase activities and a decrease in total protein and albumin concentrations were observed in the infected groups, though these changes were of lower magnitude in WSR extract supplemented group. A significantly higher activity of oxidative blood parameters such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione-S-transferase enzymes were noticed in WSR extract supplemented group. The WSR extract supplemented group revealed significantly higher E. coli–specific antibody titer and enhanced lymphocyte proliferation response as compared with the nonsupplemented group. The gross and histopathological lesions of colibacillosis were mild in the WSR extract–supplemented infected group as compared with the nonsupplemented infected group. Withania somnifera root extract supplementation produced 31.48 and 34.38% protection in the gross and histopathological lesions in E. coli infected chicks, respectively. It is concluded that supplementation of 20% WSR extract @ 20 ml/L of water caused a reduction in the severity, mortality, and recovery period of E. coli infection and enhanced the humoral and cellular immune responses suggesting its protective effect on limiting the pathology of E. coli infection in broiler chickens.

Influence of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to ameliorate adverse effects of ochratoxin on biochemical profile and immune response in broiler chickens

To establish the ochratoxicosis ameliorating efficacy of dietary Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC), day-old broiler chicks (240) were divided into 6 treatment groups (T1, control (basal diet); T2, T1 + 200 ppb OTA; T3, T1 + 0.05% SC; T4, T1 + 0.1% SC; T5, T2 + 0.05% SC and T6, T2 + 0.1% SC). Each diet was fed to 5 replicated groups of 8 birds each from 1 to 42 days of age. The total serum protein and haemoglobin (Hb) in T2 and T5 were lower than that of control (T1). The serum protein and Hb content in group T6 was higher than that of T2 and statistically similar to that of control. The serum uric acid, creatinine, ALP, SGOT, SGPT and H/L ratio in ochratoxin fed group (T2) was higher than that of T1. The serum uric acid, creatinine, ALP, SGOT, SGPT and H/L ratio in T6 was lower than that of T2 and statistically similar to that of T1. The CMI and HA titre value in ochratoxin fed group (T2) was lower than that of T1. The CMI and HA titre value in T5 and T6 was lower than T1 but higher than T2. It was concluded that ochratoxin contamination at 200 ppb level in broiler diet altered the biochemical parameters and immune response. Inclusion of Saccharomyces cerevisiae at 0.1% level to the ochratoxin contaminated diet ameliorated the adverse effects of ochratoxicosis on biochemical parameters and immune response of broiler chickens.

Dietary Factors as Triggers of Low-Grade Chronic Intestinal Inflammation in Poultry

Inflammation is the reaction of the immune system to an injury; it is aimed at the recovery and repair of damaged tissue. The inflammatory response can be beneficial to the animal since it will reestablish tissue homeostasis if well regulated. However, if it is not controlled, inflammation might lead to a chronic response with a subsequent loss of tissue function. The intestine is constantly exposed to a number of environmental triggers that stimulate inflammation and lead to a reduction in performance. The diet and dietary components constitute consistent inflammatory triggers in poultry. Dietary components, such as anti-nutritional compounds, oxidized lipids, mycotoxins, and excess of soluble fiber or protein, are all capable of inducing a low-grade inflammatory response in the intestine of broilers throughout a 5-week grow-out period. We hypothesized that dietary factor-induced chronic intestinal inflammation is a key driver of the lower performance and higher incidence of intestinal problems observed in poultry production. Therefore, this review was aimed at exploring feed-induced chronic inflammation in poultry, the constituents of the diet that might act as inflammatory triggers and the possible effects of chronic intestinal inflammation on the poultry industry.

Influence of supplementation of vitamin E on amelioration of ochratoxicosis in broiler chickens

In the present study, the effect of vitamin E supplementation in ochratoxin A (OTA) contaminated diet in amelioration of ochratoxicosis in broiler chickens was investigated. Day-old broiler chicks (n=240) were divided into six treatment groups (T1-control (basal diet); T2–T1 + 200 ppb OTA; T3–T1 + 100 mg vitamin E; T4–T1 + 200 mg vitamin E; T5–T2 + 100 mg vitamin E and T6–T2 + 200 mg vitamin E). Each diet was fed to 5 replicated groups of 8 birds each from 0 to 42 days of age. During overall growth period (0–6 week of age), the body weight gain (BWG) in ochratoxin contaminated diet (T2) fed group was lower than that of control. The BWG in group T5 was statistically similar to that of T2 fed diet and lower than that of control (T1). However, BWG in group T6 (200 mg vitamin E/kg) was higher than T2 and statistically similar to that of control group. Ochratoxin contamination in diet caused significant reduction in feed consumption, feed efficiency and livability percentage in broiler chickens. Addition of vitamin E (200 mg/kg) to the ochratoxin contaminated diet ameliorated the adverse effects on feed intake, FCR and livability percentage. Supplementation of vitamin E (200 mg/kg) to the ochratoxin contaminated diet also resulted in significant improvement in the relative weight of liver and bursa. It was concluded that experimentally induced ochratoxicosis with 200 ppb ochratoxin resulted in reduced production performance, enlargement of liver and regression of bursa. Addition of vitamin E (200 mg/kg) to the ochratoxin contaminated diet improved the production performance and relative weight of liver and bursa during 0–6 weeks of age of broiler chickens in experimentally induced ochratoxicosis caused by 200 ppb of dietary ochratoxin.

The effect of polyphenols and vitamin E on the antioxidant status and meat quality of broiler chickens fed diets naturally contaminated with ochratoxin A

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a polyphenol product (PP) (Proviox) and vitamin E on the antioxidant status and meat quality of broiler chickens fed diets contaminated with ochratoxin A (OTA). One hundred and twenty ROSS 308 broiler chickens were randomly divided into six groups (10 replications, 2 birds per replication). Group I received an uncontaminated and unsupplemented diet, diets of groups II to VI were contaminated with OTA at 172 µg and 200 µg/kg for the starter and grower period, respectively. Furthermore, diets of groups III, IV and V were supplemented with vitamin E at 100, 200 and 100 mg, respectively, and to diets of groups V and VI additionally 100 and 2200 mg PP was added, respectively. Supplementation with PP and vitamin E had no significant effects on the growth performance, dressing percentage or carcass trait parameters of broiler chickens. In chickens exposed to stress, dietary supplementation with vitamin E and/or PP improved the total antioxidant status (p ≤ 0.05), enhanced the blood activity of antioxidant enzymes (p ≤ 0.01) and increased the concentrations of non-enzymatic antioxidants (p ≤ 0.01) in the liver and breast muscles. Regardless of the administered antioxidants, chickens fed diets contaminated with OTA were characterised by lower dressing percentage (p ≤ 0.01), a higher proportion of the liver in the carcass (p ≤ 0.01), lower carcass fat content (p ≤ 0.01), and longer small intestines (p ≤ 0.01) and caeca (p ≤ 0.01). Dietary supplementation with PP improved the water-holding capacity of meat (p ≤ 0.01). The breast muscles of chickens fed diets supplemented with PP and vitamin E were characterised by higher (p ≤ 0.05) concentrations of eicosapentaenoic acid (C_20:5). It was concluded that PP can be an insufficient component of diets for broiler chickens to improve growth performance and mitigate the negative effects of high dose of OTA in diets.

Long-Term Effects of Ochratoxin A on the Glutathione Redox System and Its Regulation in Chicken

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of three-weeks ochratoxin A (OTA) exposure on some lipid peroxidation parameters, reduced glutathione concentration and glutathione-peroxidase activity, as well as expression of oxidative stress response-related (KEAP1, NRF2) and glutathione system (GPX3, GPX4, GSS, GSR) genes in chickens. Three levels of exposure (106, 654 and 1126 μg/kg feed) were applied. The results showed that OTA initiated free radical formation, which was suggested by the increase in the malondialdehyde content in the liver and kidney, which was more marked in the liver, depending on the length of exposure and dose. Reduced glutathione concentration increased as an effect of the highest OTA dose in blood plasma and in liver, but not in red blood cell hemolysates and the kidney. Glutathione peroxidase activity did not change in the blood and showed increasing tendency in the liver, and significant increase in the kidney. Expression of KEAP1 gene showed up-regulation in the liver, and down-regulation in the kidney, but overexpression of NRF2 gene was found in the liver and kidney at the highest dose. However, down-regulation of Nrf2 dependent genes, GPX3, GPX4, GSS and GSR, suggested an improper antioxidant response at the protein level, thus oxidative stress occurred, even at the dose of the EU regulatory limit for poultry diets.

Associated efficiency of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and vitamin E in ameliorating adverse effects of ochratoxin A on biochemical profile and immune response in broiler chickens

The associated efficacy of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and vitamin E, in ameliorating ochratoxicosis was investigated in broiler chickens. Day-old broiler chicks (320) were divided into 8 treatment groups, viz. T1 (control; basal diet); T2 (T1 + 150 ppb OTA); T3 (T2 + 0.05% SC + 100 mg vitamin E-VE); T4 (T2 + 0.075% SC + 100 mg VE); T5 (T2 + 0.1% SC + 100 mg VE); T6 (T2 + 0.05% SC + 200 mg VE); T7 (T2 + 0.075% SC + 200 mg VE) and T8 (T2 + 0.1% SC + 200 mg VE/kg diet). Each diet was fed to 5 replicated groups of 8 birds from 0–42 days of age. The total serum protein, cholesterol and haemoglobin content of control group (T1) was higher than that of ochratoxin fed group (T2). The serum protein, cholesterol and haemoglobin value in groups T5, T7 and T8 was higher than T2 but statistically similar to that of control. The serum uric acid, creatinine, ALP, SGOT, SGPT and H/L ratio value in T1 was lower than that of T2. The uric acid, creatinine, ALP, SGOT, SGPT and H/L ratio value in T5, T7 and T8 was lower than T2 and statistically similar to that of control. The CMI and HA titre value of T1 was higher than that of T2. The CMI and HA titre value in T5, T7 and T8 was higher than that of T2 but statistically similar to that of control. It can be concluded that ochratoxin contamination at the rate of 150 ppb in the feed resulted in decreased total serum protein, cholesterol and haemoglobin content and increased serum uric acid, creatinine, ALP, SGOT, SGPT and H/L ratio value. Inclusion of Saccharomyces cerevisiae at 0.1% level along with 100 mg vitamin E or Saccharomyces cerevisiae at 0.075% level along with 200 mg vitamin E/kg diet to the ochratoxin (150 ppb) contaminated feed ameliorated the adverse effects of ochratoxicosis on biochemical profile and immune response in broiler chickens.

Hepato nephropathology associated with inclusion body hepatitis complicated with citrinin mycotoxicosis in a broiler farm

Aim:

Mortality in a broiler chicken farm was investigated for identifying the cause of mortality.

Materials and Methods:

A broiler farm with a population of 16000 succumbed to a disease outbreak. Clinical signs, vaccination history and mortality, were recorded. Necropsy examination and microscopic examination were carried out along with toxicological and molecular studies.

Results:

The clinical signs in the affected broiler birds were of non-specific nature with a total mortality of 26.39%. Postmortem examination and microscopical findings revealed hepatitis with basophilic intranuclear inclusion, splenitis, myocarditis, and nephritis. Glomerulonephritis was the prominent renal pathology recorded in this study. Polymerase chain reaction test confirmed the presence of fowl adenovirus (FAdV) genome in the target organs, and toxicological examination by thin-layer chromatography revealed the presence of a toxic level of citrinin in the feed samples.

Conclusion:

Based on various diagnostic investigations, the mortality in the flock was attributed to inclusion body hepatitis (IBH) complicated with citrinin mycotoxicosis. Thus, apart from liver pathology which occurs in a classical IBH cases, glomerulonephritis too occurs which are also a prominent finding which pathologists often miss. Thus, kidneys should also be examined histologically to assess the microscopic tissue alterations in poultry suspected for IBH along with a mycotoxicological analysis of feed. This will definitely throw light on the synergistic pathology elicited and exhibited by FAdV and mycotoxins in the poultry.

The effect of Ochratoxin A on antimicrobial polypeptide expression and resistance to water mold infection in channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)

Mycotoxin contamination of agricultural commodities poses a serious risk to animal health, including aquaculture species. Ochratoxin A (OA) is the most immunotoxic ochratoxin, yet little is known about its effect on immune function in fish. Antimicrobial polypeptides (AMPPs) are one of the most potent, innate, host defense factors, yet very little is known about what types of chronic stressors affect their expression. Among the most prevalent and potent AMPPs in fish are histone-like proteins (HLPs). In this study, fish were fed 2, 4, or 8 mg OA/kg diet. Skin antibacterial activity and HLP-1 levels were measured on Days 0, 28 and 56. Feeding 2, 4 or 8 mg OA/kg diet resulted in significant growth depression, but higher levels (4 or 8 mg OA/kg diet) resulted in lowering feed intake (FI) and impaired feed conversion ratio. In addition, feeding 8 mg OA/kg diet increased susceptibility to experimental water mold (Saprolegnia) challenge, suggesting that OA toxicity might contribute to some saprolegnosis outbreaks. However, there were no changes in AMPP expression in any treatment group. Our data suggests that the increased disease susceptibility of channel catfish due to OA is probably due to mechanisms other than a direct effect on antimicrobial polypeptide expression.

Effect of ochratoxin A on the intestinal mucosa and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissues in broiler chickens

The immunotoxic effect of ochratoxin A (OTA) on the intestinal mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue and its cytotoxic action on the intestinal epithelium were studied in broiler chickens experimentally treated with the toxin. From the 7th day of life, 80 male broiler chickens (Ross 308) were randomly divided into four groups of 20 birds each. The three experimental groups (E1-3) were treated with OTA for 28 days (E1: 50 μg/kg body weight [bw]/day; E2: 20 μg/kg bw/day; E3: 1 μg/kg bw/day) and the fourth group served as control. Histological examination of the intestinal mucosa and immunohistochemical staining for identification of CD4+, CD8+, TCR1 and TCR2 lymphocytes in the duodenum, jejunum and ileocaecal junction were performed, and CD4+/CD8+ and TCR1/TCR2 ratios were calculated. OTA toxicity resulted in decreased body weight gain, poorer feed conversion ratio, lower leukocyte and lymphocyte count, and altered intestinal mucosa architecture. After 14 days of exposure to OTA, immunohistochemistry showed a significant reduction of the lymphocyte population in the intestinal epithelium and the lamina propria. After 28 days of exposure, an increase in the CD4+ and CD8+ values in both the duodenum and jejunum of chickens in Groups E1 and E2 was observed, but the TCR1 and TCR2 lymphocyte counts showed a significant reduction. No significant changes were observed in Group E3. The results indicate that OTA induced a decrease in leukocyte and lymphocyte counts and was cytotoxic to the intestinal epithelium and the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue, altering the intestinal barrier and increasing susceptibility to various associated diseases.

Foodborne mycotoxicoses, risk assessment and underestimated hazard of masked mycotoxins and joint mycotoxin effects or interaction

The existing hazard of joint mycotoxin exposure of animals/humans and the significance of masked mycotoxins in foods or feeds and their respective contributions to the development of some food born mycotoxicoses is briefly reviewed. The importance of joint mycotoxin interaction in the complex etiology of some foodborn mycotoxicoses is covered in depth. The toxicity of low contamination levels of some combinations of mycotoxins ingested often by farm animals was carefully studied. The appropriate hygiene control and the necessary risk assessment in regard to mycotoxin contamination of foods and feeds are briefly analyzed and some useful prophylactic measures and management of the risk of mycotoxin contamination, in addition to tolerable daily intakes are also described. A reference is also made to the most suitable methods of veterinary hygiene control in some practical situations in order to prevent mycotoxins contaminating commercial food commodities and endangering public health.

Feeding a diet contaminated with ochratoxin A for chickens at the maximum level recommended by the EU for poultry feeds (0.1 mg/kg). 1. Effects on growth and slaughter performance, haematological and serum traits

The European Commission Recommendation 2006/576/EC, suggests that the maximum level of Ochratoxin A (OTA) in poultry feeds should be set at 0.1 mg OTA/kg. Thirty-six one-day-old male Hubburd broiler chickens were divided into two groups, a Control (basal diet) and an Ochratoxin A (basal diet + 0.1 mg OTA/kg) group. The growth and slaughter performance traits were recorded. The liver, spleen, bursa of Fabricius and thymus weights were measured. The erythrocyte and leukocyte numbers were assayed in blood samples, and the heterophils to lymphocytes (H/L) ratio was determined. Alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), lysozyme, the total protein and the electrophoretic pattern were evaluated in serum samples. Liver enzymes (alanino aminotransferase, ALT and aspartate aminotransferase, AST) and kidney function parameters (uric acid and creatinine) were quantified. The results revealed that feeding a 0.1 mg OTA/kg contaminated diet to chicks caused a decrease in the absolute thymus weight (p < 0.05) and a lower total protein (p < 0.01), albumin (p < 0.01), alpha (p < 0.05), beta (p = 0.001) and gamma (p = 0.001) globulins serum concentration in the Ochratoxin A group. Moreover, the albumin-to-globulin (A/G) ratio of the OTA-treated animals resulted to be higher (p < 0.05). Feeding broiler chickens, a diet contaminated with the maximum level admitted by the European Commission Recommendation (0.1 mg OTA/kg), did not affect the animal performance, slaughter traits, organ weights, haematological parameters, liver enzyme or renal function parameters concentrations but had an overall immunosuppressant effect, with reduction in the thymus weight and of the total serum protein, albumin, alpha, beta and gamma globulins concentration.

Ochratoxin A in feed of food-producing animals: an undesirable mycotoxin with health and performance effects

Mycotoxins are secondary fungal metabolites, whose presence in feed- and foodstuffs is unavoidable. Ochratoxin A (OTA) is one of the known mycotoxins with greatest public health and agro-economic significance. Several toxic effects have been ascribed following exposure, namely nephrotoxicity, as well negative impacts in the performance of farm animals, resulting in major economic implications. Of no less importance for the route of human exposure that can also embody the carry-over of OTA from feed into animal-derived products is also a concern. For all these reasons the present article updates the worldwide occurrence of OTA in different raw ingredients and finished feed destined to food-producing animals. After that a brief characterization of specie susceptibility and the major rationales is made. An historical overview of field outbreaks linked to OTA exposure in farm animals, concerning the implicated feeds, contamination levels and major clinical and productivity effects is presented. Finally a review of the major animal health and performance potential impacts of animals being reared on contaminated feed is made allied to a perspective regarding its co-occurrence with other mycotoxins, and simultaneous parasitic and bacterial infections. Ultimately, this article aims to be instructive and draw attention to a mycotoxin so often neglected and elapsed from the list of differential diagnosis in farm practice. For the unpredictability and unavoidability of occurrence, OTA will definitely be an enduring problem in animal production.

Effect of ochratoxin A on broiler chicks challenged withSalmonella gallinarum

1. A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of ochratoxin A (OA) on broiler chicks challenged with Salmonella gallinarum. 2. One hundred and seventy-six 1-d-old broiler chicks were divided into two groups of 88 chicks each, with one group fed on a control mash diet and the other given a mash diet containing 2 ppm OA. On d 14, each group was further subdivided into two groups with one group infected with S. gallinarum and the other uninfected. 3. Following S. gallinarum inoculation on d 14, 4 birds from each group were killed at 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 14 and 21 d post inoculation. 4. S. gallinarum infection caused dullness, depression, weakness, increased thirst, droopy wings, ruffled feathers and greenish-yellow diarrhoea. S. gallinarum infection in the absence of OA caused 11.5% mortality which increased to 28.8% in the presence of OA. 5. Decreased body weight and reduced feed intake were observed in chicks fed on the diet containing OA. S. gallinarum infection also reduced the body weights of chicks, with the effects being more marked in chicks receiving OA. The OA diet led to increased serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, uric acid and creatinine, and decreased levels of total proteins, albumin, globulins, calcium and phosphorus. S. gallinarum infection did not cause significant alteration in any of the serum biochemical parameters. 6. Mortality and the severity of S. gallinarum infection in broiler chicks were increased by the presence of OA in the diet.

Aggravation of pathogenesis mediated by ochratoxin A in mice infected with Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense

Mice fed 1.5 mg ochratoxin A (OTA) per kg body weight and infected with Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense were compared with trypanosome-infected placebo-fed and uninfected OTA-fed controls. Uninfected OTA-fed mice showed fever, lethargy, facial and eyelid oedemas, mild hepatitis and nephritis, and high survival. Infected placebo-fed controls had mean pre-patent period (PPP) of 3.26 days, lethargy, dyspnoea, fever, facial and scrotal oedema, survival of 33-65 days, reduced red cell counts (RCC: 10.96-6.87x106 cells/microl of blood), packed cell volume (PCV: 43.19-26.36%), haemoglobin levels (Hb: 13.37-7.92 g/dL) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) of 37.96-41.31 fL, hepatosplenomegaly, generalized oedemas, heart congestion, hepatitis and nephritis. Compared to infected placebo-fed controls, infected OTA-fed mice had significantly (P<0.05) shorter mean PPP (2.58 days), reduced survival (6-47 days), more pronounced fever and dyspnoea. The latter had significantly (P<0.05) reduced RCC (10.74-4.56x106 cells/microl of blood), PCV (43.90-20.78%), Hb (13.06-5.74 g/dL), increased MCV (39.10-43.97 fL), severe generalized oedemas, haemorrhages, congestion, hepatic haemosiderosis, hepatitis, nephritis, endocarditis, pericarditis and exclusively, splenic macrophage and giant cell hyperplasia, expanded red pulp and splenic erythrophagocytosis. It was concluded that OTA aggravated the pathogenesis of T. b. rhodesiense infection in mice, and should therefore be taken into consideration during trypanosomosis control programmes.

Complex etiology, prophylaxis and hygiene control in mycotoxic nephropathies in farm animals and humans

Various etiological factors contributing to the development of mycotoxic nephropathy in farm animals and humans are reviewed. The possible synergistic effect between ochratoxin A (OTA) and other mycotoxins, as penicillic acid (PA) and fumonisin B(1) (FB(1)), contributing to this nephropathy is also considered and discussed. The most convenient ways of prophylaxis and various preventive measures against OTA contamination of feeds or foods are reviewed. A reference is made concerning the most successful methods of veterinary hygiene control in the slaughterhouses in order to prevent the entering of OTA in commercial channels with a view to human health. The economic efficacy of these prophylactic procedures is also considered. An evaluation of human exposure to OTA is made.

Experimental ochratoxicosis in broiler chickens

This study describes the toxicity signs that developed when the diet of male broiler chickens was artificially contaminated with different levels of the mycotoxin ochratoxin A (OTA). Chicks were assigned randomly to three groups of 80 chicks that were fed a diet containing 0 parts per billion (ppb) (control, group 1), 400 ppb (group 2) or 800 ppb (group 3) OTA from day 1 to 5 weeks of age. Signs of ochratoxicosis were assessed on the basis of changes in the following criteria: body weight, relative weights of two representative internal organs (gizzard and thymus), feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, mortality, thyroid activity, blood profile, humoral and cell mediated immunity. Feeding OTA at levels of 400 and 800 ppb (groups 2 and 3) significantly decreased the body weight, thymus weight, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio and thyroxine concentration (P < 0.05). The OTA groups developed anaemia manifested by a significant decrease in the red blood cell count, packed cell volume percentage and haemoglobin concentration (P < 0.05). By the end of the experiment both groups that received OTA showed a 37% reduction in red blood cell count compared with the control group. Furthermore, a significant decrease in the white blood cell count, humoral immune response and cell-mediated immunity was found in both groups fed ochratoxin compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The reduction in the above parameters was more noticeable with time and was proportional to the level of OTA exposure. A significant increase in relative gizzard weight, cumulative mortality and triiodothyronine concentration was found in OTA-fed chicks (P < 0.05). These data provide a description of ochratoxicosis in broilers that should be useful in diagnosis and in improved understanding of the practical implications on broiler performance and health, a problem that can threaten the poultry industry.

Effects of Fusarium moniliforme culture material containing known levels of fumonisin B1 on progress of Salmonella Gallinarum infection in Japanese quail: clinical signs and hematologic studies

To study the individual and combined effects of fumonisin B1 (FB1) toxicity and Salmonella serotype Gallinarum infection, Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) were fed Fusarium moniliforme culture material (2.5%), 150 mg FB1/kg ration, and were subsequently challenged orally with Salmonella Gallinarum organisms (2 x 10(4) colony-forming units) at 21 days of age. The chicks were fed culture material containing FB1 from day 5 till the end of the experiment. After being infected with Salmonella Gallinarum, observations were made 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 14, and 21 days postinfection. The clinical signs of diarrhea with bloody discharges were more pronounced in the Salmonella-infected birds on the FB1 diet. Mortality caused by Salmonella Gallinarum increased by 12% in the presence of FB1. Mean body weights in both the Salmonella-infected and FB1-fed groups were significantly lower than those of the controls at almost all intervals. Mean values of hemoglobin, packed cell volume, and total erythrocyte count were slightly higher in birds fed FB1 but were lower in the Salmonella Gallinarum groups fed FB1 and plain chick mash. Anemia was evident, between 5 and 10 days postinfection, in quail chicks infected with Salmonella Gallinarum alone. Total leukocyte counts were higher in Salmonella-infected and FB1-fed groups because of an increase in the number of heterophils and lymphocytes. However, the increase in lymphocyte response to infection was lower by 4.27%-30.09% between 3 and 21 days postinfection in the FB1-fed chicks compared with chicks infected with Salmonella Gallinarum. Alanine transaminase and total serum protein were slightly higher in both the infected and FB1-fed groups. This study revealed that the continuous presence of fumonisins in the diets of quail chicks might increase the susceptibility to or the severity of Salmonella Gallinarum infection.

Immunotoxicological risk of mycotoxins for domestic animals

Mycotoxins are a group of structurally diverse fungal secondary metabolites that elicit a wide spectrum of toxicological effects. Of particular interest is the capacity of some mycotoxins to alter normal immune function when present in food at levels below observable overt toxicity. The sensitivity of the immune system to mycotoxin-induced immunosuppression arises from the vulnerability of the continually proliferating and differentiating cells that participate in immune-mediated activities and regulate the complex communication network between cellular and humoral components. Mycotoxin-induced immunosuppression may be manifested as depressed T- or B-lymphocyte activity, suppressed antibody production and impaired macrophage/neutrophil-effector functions. The immune system is primarily responsible for defence against invading organisms. Suppressed immune function by mycotoxins may eventually decrease resistance to infectious diseases, reactivate chronic infections and/or decrease vaccine and drug efficacy.

Pathological changes in broiler chickens fed ochratoxin A and inoculated with Escherichia coli

A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of ochratoxin A (OA) on Escherichia coli-challenged broiler chickens. One hundred and eighty-four one-day-old broiler chicks were divided into two groups of 92 chicks each, with one group fed a control mash diet and the other fed a mash diet containing 2 parts/10(6) OA. On day 14, each group was further subdivided into two groups with one group inoculated with E. coli O78 (1 x 10(7) colony-forming units/0.5 ml) by the intraperitoneal route, whereas the other group was not inoculated with E. coli. Four birds from each group were sacrificed at 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 14 and 21 days post-inoculation to record pathological changes in the liver, kidneys, heart, lungs, bursa, spleen and thymus. E. coli infection induced perihepatitis and pericarditis in the liver and heart, respectively, in chickens infected with E. coli alone or in OA-fed birds from 1 day post-infection (DPI) onwards. At 1 DPI, a thin fibrin layer covered the liver and heart; however, at subsequent days, the layer became thicker. E. coli infection did not produce appreciable changes in the kidneys, bursa or thymus. However, there was congestion of the lungs along with mononuclear cell infiltration. Ochratoxin feeding induced changes from 10 DPI onwards in chicks fed OA alone and those infected with E. coli. The changes in kidneys included swollen proximal convoluted tubules, degeneration of tubular epithelium and interstitial nephritis. Degenerative changes and mononuclear cell infiltration were recorded in the liver. There was atrophy of the lymphoid organs along with depletion of lymphocytes. Gross and histopathological changes were more severe in chickens fed OA and inoculated with E. coli than the chickens fed OA alone or those infected with E. coli, indicating combined action of these two.