Mycotoxin Fumonisin B ₁ Increases Intestinal Colonization by Pathogenic Escherichia coli in Pigs

Abstract

Fumonisin B 1 (FB 1 ) is a mycotoxin that commonly occurs in maize. FB 1 causes a variety of toxic effects in different animal species and has been implicated as a contributing factor of esophageal cancers in humans. In the present study, we examined the effect of dietary exposure to FB 1 on intestinal colonization by pathogenic Escherichia coli associated with extraintestinal infection. Three-week-old weaned pigs were given FB 1 by gavage as a crude extract or as a purified toxin at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg of body weight daily for 6 days. On the last day of the toxin treatment, the pigs were orally inoculated with an extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli strain. All animals were euthanized 24 h later, necropsies were performed, and tissues were taken for bacterial counts and light microscopic examination. Ingestion of FB 1 had only a minimal effect on animal weight gain, did not cause any macroscopic or microscopic lesions, and did not change the plasma biochemical profile. However, colonization of the small and large intestines by an extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli strain was significantly increased. Our results show that FB 1 is a predisposing factor to infectious disease and that the pig can be used as a model for the study of the consequences of ingesting mycotoxin-contaminated food.

Feed exposure to FB1 can aggravate pneumonic damages in pigs provoked by P. multocid a

“…It was also found that FB 1 given at diet levels of 10 ppm, has immunosuppressive effect on humoral immune response in pigs (Stoev et al, 2012) and therefore can provoke some secondary bacterial infections, which arise in immunocompromised animals. In this regard, Oswald and collaborators observed a significant increase of intestinal colonization of pathogenic Escherichia coli in FB 1 -treated pigs (Oswald et al, 2003). On the other hand, a heavy progression of Pasteurella multocida (Halloy et al, 2005) or porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus infections in swine (Ramos et al, 2010) were seen when the same animals were compromised by feed exposure to FB 1 .…”

Mycotoxin Contamination on Corn Used by Feed Mills in Indonesia

“…Aflatoxin (AFL), a hepatoxin, is produced by Aspergillus flavus and causes reduction in daily gain of chicken and egg shell weight (Zaghini et al 2005). Fumonisin (FUM) which is produced by Fusarium moniliforme, is often found as a contaminant in corn and causes reduction of egg production in quail (Butkeraitis et al 2004) and feed intake in calves (Mathur et al 2001), as well as increases colonization of pathogenic Escherichia coli in the small and large intestines of pig (Oswald et al 2003). Ochratoxin (OCRA) which is produced by Aspergillus ochraceus, causes mortality in chicks or broiler chicken (Gibson et al 1990).…”

The Gut Immune Parameters for Mycotoxin Research

“…Mycotoxins have also been reported to affect the extrinsic components of intestinal immunity. While the effects on secretion of immunoglobulin [18][19][20] and expression of chemokines and cytokines [21][22][23][24][25] have been reported in several studies, their effects on mucus and antimicrobial peptide synthesis and secretion are poorly documented. Recently, our data clearly demonstrated the effects of individual and mixtures of Fusarium toxins on endpoints including antimicrobial peptides [26] and pro-inflammatory cytokines [27].…”