Using Roquefortine C as a Biomarker for Penitrem A Intoxication

Abstract

Abstract. Penitrem A is a well-recognized tremorgenic mycotoxin produced by several Penicillium spp. However, most natural cases of penitrem A intoxication have been associated with Penicillium crustosum. Another Penicillium sp., Penicillium roqueforti, is used for the production of blue cheese and is found in silage and feeds. Penicillium roqueforti produces a mycotoxin, roquefortine C, which is also produced by P. crustosum. In contrast to a tremorgenic syndrome produced by penitrem A, roquefortine C toxicosis is characterized by a paralytic syndrome. Two cases of penitrem A intoxication in dogs are presented to investigate the use of roquefortine C as a biomarker for penitrem A exposure. The vomitus, serum, and urine were analyzed for roquefortine C and penitrem A. Results suggest that roquefortine C can be a sensitive biomarker for penitrem A intoxication. However, the detection of roquefortine C in the absence of penitrem A could merely suggest ingestion of blue cheese or spoilt silage or feed. A review of the literature did not identify any case positive for penitrem A but negative for roquefortine C. In cases in which both mycotoxins were detected, roquefortine C concentration was always higher than penitrem A concentration. In contrast, several cases have been described where the clinical history suggested penitrem A intoxication, but only roquefortine C was detected. In conclusion, roquefortine C can serve as a sensitive biomarker for penitrem A intoxication, but the clinical presentation needs to be considered for proper interpretation of its detection in the absence of penitrem A.

Review on Mycotoxin Issues in Ruminants: Occurrence in Forages, Effects of Mycotoxin Ingestion on Health Status and Animal Performance and Practical Strategies to Counteract Their Negative Effects

“…In vivo , reversible paralytic effects were reported in cows that ingested P. roqueforti -contaminated feed grains containing an average roquefortine C concentration of 25.3 mg/kg [ 197 ]. Tiwary et al [ 272 ] reported roquefortine C did not appear to be responsible for tremorgenic effects and could be quantified as biomarker for penitrem A exposure. Tüller et al [ 95 ] feeding sheep 0, 10 and 50 mg/sheep/day of roquefortine C did not report any effects on chemical and hematological parameters.…”

Using Roquefortine C as a Biomarker in Hay for Penitrem A Intoxication in a Beef Herd

“…Feed analysis performed was not able to find PA in detectable concentrations. In literature, it has been reported that PA is more difficult to isolate than RC, but RC is always associated with PA in tremorgenic toxicosis caused by PA (Tiwary et al, 2009). Thus, RC is considered a valuable diagnostic marker for PA intoxication (Tiwary et al, 2009).…”

“…In literature, it has been reported that PA is more difficult to isolate than RC, but RC is always associated with PA in tremorgenic toxicosis caused by PA (Tiwary et al, 2009). Thus, RC is considered a valuable diagnostic marker for PA intoxication (Tiwary et al, 2009). Also, results for other potentially involved pathogens were negative.…”

“…Penitrem A (PA) is a well-recognized neurotoxic mycotoxin produced by Penicillium spp. which could induce ataxia, tachypnea, and sustained tremors in dogs, cattle, sheep, rabbits, poultry and rodents (Shell, 2000;Tiwary et al, 2009). In mice, experimental intoxications with PA caused seizures by increasing the release of glutamate, GABA and aspartate at cerebrocortical synapses and biochemical reversible lesions (Barker et al, 2013).…”

Use of Intravenous Lipid Emulsion in Dogs With Suspected Tremorgenic Mycotoxicosis: 53 Cases

“…Analytic methods include identification of the mould through culture of the organism or detection of the toxins themselves (Eriksen et al 2010;Rundberget et al, 2002;Young et al, 2003). Liquid chromatography has also been used to screen for the specific toxins penitrem A and roquefortine in serum (Puschner, 2009) and urine samples (Tiwary, 2009). These tests are available from some specialised diagnostic laboratories.…”