A pathological condition possibly caused by spontaneous trichotecene poisoning in Brahma poultry: first report

Abstract

Trichotecene poisoning in poultry can cause oral lesions, haemorrhages, depletion and necrosis in the lymphopoetic organs and death. Spontaneous poisonings with these toxins are rarely described. This paper describes the spontaneous poisoning of two Brahma chickens with T-2 toxin, diacetoxyscirpenol and deoxynivalenol. Two out of 10 chickens died under signs of depression and loss of appetite. Histopathological analysis revealed vacuolar dystrophy of the liver, necrosis and depletion of lymphocyte in the bursa of Fabricius as well as multiple necroses in the glandular stomach and gut. Even though quantities of 0.70 mg/kg T-2 in the food together with 0.50 mg/kg diacetoxyscirpenol significantly differ from the median lethal dose for chickens reported in literature (4.97 mg/kg), parasitological, virological and histopathological results indicate trichotecenes as the causative agents of this pathological condition.

Survey of trichothecene mycotoxins in grains and animal feed in Croatia by thin layer chromatography

“…Those samples derived from farms with evidenced poultry health problems with indications of possible trichothecene poisoning (Konjevic et al, 2004). Experimental toxicosis caused by trichothecene mycotoxins in poultry is well documented.…”

Lipopolysaccharide induces acute bursal atrophy in broiler chicks by activating TLR4-MAPK-NF-κB/AP-1 signaling

“…For gram negative bacteria, the endotoxin LPS is recognized by TLR2 and TLR4 [ 21 , 22 ]. LPS stimulation disrupts the histo-morphological organization of different organs including BF of chicken [ 23 , 24 ]. Reduced body and bursa weight are also characteristic of salmonella LPS stimulated chickens [ 25 ].…”

Scientific information on mycotoxins and natural plant toxicants

“…In these studies DAS mainly affected blood parameters (leukopenia and/or anaemia), bone marrow, spleen, liver and testes. Konjevic et al (2004) condition. Sklan et al (2003) demonstrated that feeding DAS at concentrations of up to 1 mg/kg for more than 30 days influenced small intestinal morphology, but did not affect growth or antibody production in young poults.…”