Leukoencephalomacia in equidae of the eastern region of Mato Grosso, Brazil / Leucoencefalomalácia em equídeos da região Leste de Mato Grosso

ABSTRACT

Background: Fumonisins produced by Fusarium verticillioides are among the most important medical mycotoxins known. The intake of concentrate based on corn and corn by-products contaminated with fumonisins can cause severe poisoning in horses. The injuries are observed mainly in the white matter of the brain, and the disease is known as Equine Leukoencephalomalacia (ELEM). This study aims to describe and discuss the epidemiological, clinical and diagnostic aspects of an outbreak of ELEM occurred in three farms in the municipalities of Canarana and Água Boa, in the eastern region of Mato Grosso, Brazil. Materials, Methods & Results: The outbreak occurred between May and August 2010. The disease affected six horses and four mules of different ages and sex. Clinical examination was only possible in animals with chronic evolution of the disease. All the affected animals showed neurological clinical signs such as ataxia and recumbency, which progressed to death or sudden death. Histopathological analysis showed foci of necrosis that predominantly affected the white matter, and the presence of gitter cells. Degenerative lesions were observed in the liver of the animals. Mortality rate ranged from 12.5 to 71%, and lethality reached 100%. The cases were preceded by sudden drops in the weather temperature. Fumonisins levels of 6.6 ppm were detected in the feed of the animals. Discuss

RESUMO

Micotoxinas são substâncias produzidas por fungos que desenvolvem em sementes de cereais, com efeitos tóxicos passíveis de causar doenças ou mesmo morte nos animais após consumo. A presença das micotoxinas em alimentos está sujeita a influência de diversos fatores ambientais, variando em razão de determinadas condições, como produção e armazenamento. Dentre as micotoxinas de importância médica, destacam-se as fumonisinas, que são micotoxinas hidrossolúveis produzidas por Fusarium verticillioides, estáveis ao calor e resistentes ao tratamento com álcalis. [...]