An appraisal of traditional knowledge of plant poisoning of livestock and its validation through acute toxicity assay in rats.

Background: Kashmir Himalaya hosts the most diverse and rich flora in the world, which serves as grazing land for millions of small ruminants in the area. While most plant species are beneficial, some can be poisonous, causing economic losses and animal health issues for livestock. Consequently, this study is the first comprehensive report on the traditional phyto-toxicological knowledge in District Muzaffarabad and the assessment of its authenticity through experimental studies in rats. Methods: The data regarding traditional knowledge was gathered from 70 key respondents through semi-structured interviews, which was quantitatively analyzed and authenticated through plant extract testing on Wistar female rats and comparison with published resources. Results: A total of 46 poisonous plant species belonging to 23 families and 38 genera were reported to be poisonous in the study area. Results revealed that leaves were the most toxic plant parts (24 species, 52.1%), followed by the whole plant (18 species, 39.1%), stem (17 species, 36.9%), and seeds (10 species, 21.7%). At the organ level, liver as most susceptible affected by 13 species (28.2%), followed by the gastrointestinal tract (15 species, 32.6%), nervous system (13 species, 8.2%), dermis (8 species, 17.3%), renal (7 species, 15.2%), respiratory (4 species, 8.7%), cardiovascular system (3 species, 6.5%), and reproductive system (2 species, 4.3%). The poisonous plant species with high Relative frequency citation (RFC) and fidelity level (FL) were Nerium oleander (RFC, 0.6; FL, 100), Lantana camara (RFC, 0.6; FL, 100), and Ricinus communis (RFC, 0.6; FL, 100). Experimental assessment of acute toxicity assay in rats revealed that Nerium oleander was the most toxic plant with LD50 of (4,000 mg/kg), trailed by Ricinus communis (4,200 mg/kg), L. camara (4,500 mg/kg), and Datura stramonium (4,700 mg/kg); however, other plants showed moderate to mild toxicity. The major clinical observations were anorexia, piloerection, dyspnea, salivation, tachypnea, constipation, diarrhea, tremor, itchiness, and dullness. Conclusion: This study showed that numerous poisonous plants pose a significant risk to the livestock industry within Himalayan territory, leading to substantial economic losses. Consequently, it is of utmost importance to conduct further comprehensive studies on the phytotoxicity of plants.

A case of rotenone poisoning from ingesting Derris trifoliata Lour. (Tuba fruit/pod) in Malaysia.

Derris trifoliata is mainly found in mangrove area in tropical regions and the plant extract is traditionally used for fishing by poisoning. This is the first case report of rotenone poisoning in a child from ingesting Derris trifoliata seed. The child developed altered consciousness, vomiting, hypotension, metabolic acidosis, and acute kidney injury. Species identification of this case requires the collaborative efforts of various agencies. She survived from the poisoning with no neurological sequelae.

Laurel but Hardy: unintended poisoning, a case report of oleander misidentification as bay laurel.

Introduction: Nerium oleander is a toxic plant containing cardiac glycosides throughout all its parts, thereby posing severe health risks upon ingestion. The clinical manifestations of oleander poisoning closely resemble those of digoxin toxicity, encompassing a spectrum of gastrointestinal symptoms, neuropsychiatric disorders, and cardiac disturbances. This scientific case report describes a case of accidental intoxication resulting from the consumption of an oleander leaves infusion misidentified as bay laurel leaves. Case report: An 84-year-old patient consumed an oleander leaves infusion, and after four hours experienced gastrointestinal symptoms. He contacted the poison control center (PCC) and was advised to go to the emergency department (ED). Upon arrival, the patient presented stable vital signs without cardiac irregularities. The PCC recommended the administration of activated charcoal, vigilant monitoring, including electrocardiography (ECG). Subsequent ECGs assessments revealed the presence of third-degree atrioventricular block; in consultation with the PCC, digoxin-specific antibodies and external pacing were necessary. The patient was discharged on the eighth day in good hemodynamic condition, and outpatient follow-up visits showed clinical stability. Discussion: This study offers insights for the management of similar cases. The limitations of conventional assays in measuring oleander cardiac glycosides were observed, emphasizing reliance on clinical evaluation. The patient's trajectory, remaining asymptomatic despite severe ECG changes post-ingestion, underscores the importance of prolonged clinical monitoring.

Plant poisonings in Australia: a retrospective series of calls to the Queensland Poisons Information Centre.

INTRODUCTION: There is little research to characterise plant poisoning in Australia. The aim of this project is to investigate plant exposures reported to a state poisons information centre. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of plant exposures reported to the Queensland Poison Information Centre (QPIC) between January 2019 and December 2021. Main outcome measures included patient demographics, plant exposure details, symptomatology, and management advice. RESULTS: QPIC received calls regarding 2766 plant exposures over the study period. Children aged 1-4 years were the commonest group exposed, accounting for 1295 (46.8%) exposures. The caller was usually a family member/caregiver (2036 [73.6%]) calling from home (2257 [81.6%]). Exposures were unintentional in 2722 (98.4%) cases, with the oral route being most common, occurring in 2264 (81.9%) cases.Plant groups most responsible for exposures included gastrointestinal irritants (536 [19.4%]), oxalates (522 [18.9%]), and non-toxic plants (442 [16.0%]). The plant involved was known in 2366 (85.5%) exposures, most commonly Euphorbiaceae (257 [9.3%]). Patients were asymptomatic (1644 [59.4%]) or had mild toxicity (1033 [37.3%]) in most exposures. Only 18 (0.6%) cases had moderate/severe toxicity, and this was most often due to recreational exposures by adults (9[0.3%]). Referral for medical review was advised in 407 (14.7%) cases, most commonly following exposures to Euphorbiaceae (140/407 [34.4%]), gastrointestinal irritants (52/407 [12.7%]), and oxalates (38/407 [9.3%]). CONCLUSIONS: The majority of plant exposures reported to QPIC are unintentional paediatric exposures. Most are asymptomatic or have mild toxicity. More severe toxicity is seen in adults with recreational plant exposures.

Identification of antinutritional, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activity of plants that cause livestock poisoning in Bojonegoro Regency, Indonesia.

Background and Aim: The utilization of cassava leaves and peels, ceara rubber leaves, sweet potato leaves, Chinese Albizia leaves, and lophatheri leaves from Bojonegoro Regency has led to the poisoning of livestock due to antinutritional factors. Nevertheless, the plants are known to have bioactive components and potential antioxidant and antibacterial activity if appropriately processed. This study aimed to determine the antinutritional compounds as well as the antioxidant and antibacterial potential of these plants responsible for livestock poisoning in the Bojonegoro Regency. Materials and Methods: Extraction was performed by the maceration method using 70% (v/v) ethanol solvent. The samples were analyzed qualitatively to determine the presence of tannins, alkaloids, oxalates, cardiac glycosides, and cyanogenic glycosides. The antioxidant activity was determined using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl method, while the antimicrobial activity was assessed by different testing concentrations (125, 250, and 500 mg/mL) against Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli. Results: The ethanolic extract of the plants was found to contain antinutritional tannins, alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, and cyanogenic glycosides suspected of causing livestock poisoning. Despite the presence of these antinutrients, all extracts also had antioxidant and antibacterial potential. Cassava peels and sweet potato leaves had the highest antioxidant activity, whereas Chinese Albizia leaves had the most potent antibacterial activity. Conclusion: Cassava leaves and peels, ceara rubber leaves, sweet potato leaves, Chinese Albizia leaves, and lophatheri leaves obtained from Bojonegoro Regency and used as agricultural waste contain antinutritional factors but also possess potentially effective antioxidant and antimicrobial components.

Clinical Presentation, Electrocardiographic Findings, and Factors Related to the Hospitalization In Mad-Honey Intoxication.

Objectives: Mad-honey intoxication (MHI) often presents with all kinds of bradyarrhythmias. Despite numerous publications focused on clinical findings, we aim to evaluate poor prognostic implications, ischemia likely electrocardiography (ECG) changes, and detailed ECG findings of MHI in the largest series. Methods: This is a retrospective single-center study of 117 MHI patients admitted to emergency service. Results: The study had 26 (22.2%) females (median 52.5 years) and 91 (77.8%) males (median 51.0 years). Fifty-six (47.9%) patients had ischemia likely changes on ECG. Multivariate model demonstrated that beta-blocker usage (odds ratio (OR): 52.871; 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.618-772.554 (p=0.004)), atrioventricular junctional rhythm (AVJR) (OR: 5.319; 95%CI: 1.090-25.949 (p=0.039)), and quantity of mad-honey consumption (OR: 1.035; 95% CI: 1.008-1.063 (p=0.011)) are predictors of hospitalization. ROC curve analysis showed cutoff value of mad-honey consumption quantity 24.79 g had 57% sensitivity and 68% specificity for predicting hospitalization (AUC: 0.7, 95% CI: 0.55-0.816, p=0.027). In addition, all hospitalized cases were male. Conclusion: Our study has shown that male gender, AVJR, the quantity of mad-honey consumption, and beta-blocker usage are high-risk criteria for hospitalization in MHI patients. Furthermore, ischemia likely ECG changes is often observed with MHI even independently from hypotension or bradycardia.

Poisoning caused by Coriaria sinica maxim among children in Guizhou Province during 2015 to 2020 / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To analyze the occurrence and epidemiological characteristics of acute poisoning caused by Coriaria sinica maxdim in Guizhou Province during 2015 to 2020, and to provide scientific basis for prevention of Coriaria sinica maxim poisoning.@*Methods@#A total of 176 cases of Coriaria sinica maxim poisoning were reported in Guizhou Province during 2015 to 2020, with all of the 505 affected were children and adolescents under 16 years old. No death was reported. Poisoning caused by Coriaria sinica maxim was most commonly reported in the year of 2020, with 97 reported incidents and 292 poisonings. Poisoning incidents were most freqently reported in the mature stage of Coriariasinica fruit during April to June, with 153 cases and 437 poisoning cases reported in May. The top three areas reporting Coriaria sinica maxim poisoning included Bijie, Anshun and Zunyi City, with the number of reported eventws being 57, 27, and 27, and poisoned children and adolescents of 160, 90, and 73. Most of the affected children were from rural areas. The median incubation period was 2 hours, and the primary clinical symptoms included vomiting( 93.66 %), nausea(58.02%) and abdominal pain(38.42%).@*Conclusion@#A large number of Coriaria sinica maxim poisoning incidents occur due to unsupervised access to Coriaria sinica maxim among rural children. The publicity and education of children, especially for rural left behind children, should be strengthened to reduce the incidence of Coriaria sinica maxim poisoning.

Poisoning caused by Coriaria sinica maxim among children in Guizhou Province during 2015 to 2020 / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To analyze the occurrence and epidemiological characteristics of acute poisoning caused by Coriaria sinica maxdim in Guizhou Province during 2015 to 2020, and to provide scientific basis for prevention of Coriaria sinica maxim poisoning.@*Methods@#A total of 176 cases of Coriaria sinica maxim poisoning were reported in Guizhou Province during 2015 to 2020, with all of the 505 affected were children and adolescents under 16 years old. No death was reported. Poisoning caused by Coriaria sinica maxim was most commonly reported in the year of 2020, with 97 reported incidents and 292 poisonings. Poisoning incidents were most freqently reported in the mature stage of Coriariasinica fruit during April to June, with 153 cases and 437 poisoning cases reported in May. The top three areas reporting Coriaria sinica maxim poisoning included Bijie, Anshun and Zunyi City, with the number of reported eventws being 57, 27, and 27, and poisoned children and adolescents of 160, 90, and 73. Most of the affected children were from rural areas. The median incubation period was 2 hours, and the primary clinical symptoms included vomiting( 93.66 %), nausea(58.02%) and abdominal pain(38.42%).@*Conclusion@#A large number of Coriaria sinica maxim poisoning incidents occur due to unsupervised access to Coriaria sinica maxim among rural children. The publicity and education of children, especially for rural left behind children, should be strengthened to reduce the incidence of Coriaria sinica maxim poisoning.

Toxicity of herbal medications suggested as treatment for COVID-19: A narrative review.

OBJECTIVES: In the absence of a definitive cure, herbal medications are gaining increasing popularity in the general public for treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Although many herbal preparations are safe and can be used without complication, serious toxicities do occur. This article focuses on the major characteristics and toxicities of herbal preparations that have been proposed as treatments for COVID-19. METHODS: A review was performed focusing on herbal preparations that have gained popularity as potential treatments for COVID-19. Some of these preparations have been directly recommended by government agencies, whereas others have gained popularity through various other news sources. RESULTS: The herbal preparations covered in this paper include the cardiac glycoside oleandrin, plants of the Datura genus, and herbs commonly used in traditional Chinese Medicine including plants of the Aconitum genus, bitter apricot seeds, ephedra, and licorice root. CONCLUSION: Although herbal preparations have been reported to aid in the treatment of COVID-19 with success, few clinical trials have been performed to evaluate their efficacy and instead rely mainly on in vitro studies and anecdotal reports. Furthermore, many of the herbal preparations suggested carry significant toxicities, and frontline healthcare workers should be aware of the common symptoms and toxidromes that result from these poisonings.

Clinical and anatomopathological aspects of Stryphnodendron fissuratum poisoning in cattle and sheep.

Spontaneous and experimental Stryphnodendron fissuratum poisoning in cattle have been documented in the scientific literature. However, clinical and anatomopathological aspects of such poisoning are not fully understood. Thus, the objective of this study was to describe the clinical, biochemical, gross and microscopic findings of spontaneous Stryphnodendron fissuratum poisoning in cattle as well the experimental poisoning by this plant in sheep. Three outbreaks in cattle from different farms were analyzed. From these farms, S. fissuratum fruit specimens were collected and subsequently administered to six sheep. Some cattle showed clinical signs of poisoning such as blindness, apathy, dysphagia, excessive drooling, weight loss and photodermatitis. In the experimental poisoning condition, one sheep received only the peel of the fruit, one received the seed, and the others received the whole fruit. The whole fruit caused fatal poisoning in one sheep, which showed anorexia, excessive drooling, nystagmus, and paddling. Necropsies and clinical, histopathological, and pathological examination of poisoned cattle and sheep showed that the plant may cause acute renal failure along with extrarenal uremic lesions.

Acute necrotic hepatotoxicity caused by Lantana camara L. ingestion in dairy cattle / Hepatotoxicidade necrótica aguda por ingestão de Lantana camara L. em bovinos leiteiros

This study describes an outbreak of acute necrotic hepatopathy associated with spontaneous poisoning by Lantana camara L. in dairy cattle. A herd of 15 cows and heifers was introduced into a native pasture with limited food supply, and, sixteen days later, eight animals had spontaneous nasal hemorrhage, fever, lethargy, jaundice, and dry, dark stools with mucus and blood. The clinical course varied from two to five days. In the pasture where the cattle were kept, abundant adult specimens of L. camara L. with evident signs of consumption were observed. In total, seven cattle died and necropsy was performed in three of them. All animals had moderate jaundice, hemorrhage in the subcutaneous tissue and on the surface of different organs. The liver was slightly enlarged, with orange discoloration and enhanced lobular pattern. Histologically, multifocal areas of coagulative necrosis of hepatocytes in the centrilobular area, occasionally extending to the midzonal area, were observed, as well as marked hepatocellular degeneration and prominent cholestasis. The current study suggests that L. camara L. poisoning should be considered a differential diagnosis of acute and necrotic hepatotoxicity in cattle, despite the absence of photosensitization.(AU)

Esse estudo descreve um surto de hepatopatia necrótica aguda associada a intoxicação espontânea por Lantana camara L. em bovinos leiteiros. Um lote de 15 vacas e novilhas foram introduzidas em um piquete com campo nativo, com escassa oferta de alimento. Após dezesseis dias, oito animais manifestaram epistaxe, febre, apatia, icterícia, fezes ressecadas e escuras com muco e sangue. A evolução do quadro clínico variou de dois a cinco dias. No piquete em que os bovinos estavam alojados havia grande quantidade de L. camara L. com sinais evidentes de consumo. No total, sete bovinos morreram, e destes, o exame post mortem foi realizado em três. Os bovinos exibiam moderada icterícia, hemorragias no tecido subcutâneo e na superfície de diferentes órgãos. O fígado estava discretamente aumentado, com coloração alaranjada e padrão lobular evidente. As lesões histológicas consistiam em acentuada necrose de coagulação de hepatócitos em região centrolobular, por vezes se estendendo a região mediozonal, além de acentuada degeneração dos hepatócitos e evidente Colestase. O presente trabalho alerta para que intoxicação por L. camara L. seja levada em consideração nos diagnósticos diferenciais de hepatotoxicidade necrótica aguda em bovinos, mesmo sem indícios de fotossensibilização.(AU)

Protodioscin levels in Brachiaria spp. in a sheep production system and a brief review of the literature of Brachiaria spp. poisoning in ruminants / Níveis de protodioscina em Brachiaria spp. em um sistema de produção de ovinos e uma breve revisão da literatura da intoxicação por Brachiaria spp. em ruminantes

Plants of the genus Brachiaria, used in several countries as forage, are poisonous to some livestock species. Their toxic principle is protodioscin, and the main form of clinical presentation of the toxicosis is hepatogenous photosensitization. Here we compare protodioscin levels in B. decumbens and B. brizantha and review the literature on the concentrations and methodologies of collection and analysis of the toxic principle in Brachiaria spp. and the risk of contamination of pastures by more toxic species that may facilitate poisoning by plants of this genus in sheep. The experiment was conducted in pastures originally formed by B. brizantha, with many B. decumbens invasion points. The occurrence of cases of poisoning by Brachiaria spp. was the criterion for confirming pasture toxicity. The forage samples were collected at ten random points every 28 days through manual grazing simulation. The samples were analyzed for protodioscin by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with light scattering by evaporation (ELSD) after being dried and crushed. In the flock of 69 sheep, five poisoning cases occurred, three sheep died, and two recovered. The protodioscin levels found in the evaluated pastures ranged from 0.70 to 0.45%; higher levels appeared in B. decumbens (7.09%) compared to 1.04% in B. brizantha. We suggest that Brachiaria spp. should be avoided in pastures where sheep are grazing.(AU)

Plantas do gênero Brachiaria, utilizadas em vários países como forragem, são tóxicas para várias espécies pecuárias. Seu princípio tóxico é a protodioscina, e a principal forma de apresentação clínica da toxicose é a fotossensibilização hepatógena. Este estudo teve como objetivo comparar os níveis de protodioscina em B. decumbens e B. brizantha e revisar a literatura sobre as concentrações e metodologias de coleta e análise do princípio tóxico em Brachiaria spp. e o risco de contaminação das pastagens por espécies mais tóxicas que podem facilitar a intoxicação por plantas desse gênero em ovinos. O experimento foi conduzido em pastagens originalmente formadas por B. brizantha, com diversos pontos de invasão por B. decumbens. Ocorrência de casos de intoxicação por Brachiaria spp. foi o critério para confirmação da toxicidade da pastagem. As amostras de forragem foram coletadas a cada 28 dias em dez pontos aleatórios por meio de simulação de pastejo manual. As amostras foram analisadas para protodioscina por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (HPLC) com dispersão de luz por evaporação (ELSD) após serem secadas e trituradas. No rebanho de 69 ovelhas, cinco desenvolveram a intoxicação, três morreram e duas se recuperaram. Os níveis de protodioscina encontrados nas pastagens avaliadas variaram de 0,70 a 0,45%; níveis mais elevados apareceram em B. decumbens (7,09%) em comparação com 1,04% em B. brizantha. Sugerimos que Brachiaria spp. deve ser evitada no pasto de ovelhas em pastejo.(AU)

Protodioscin levels in Brachiaria spp. in a sheep production system and a brief review of the literature of Brachiaria spp. poisoning in ruminants

ABSTRACT: Plants of the genus Brachiaria, used in several countries as forage, are poisonous to some livestock species. Their toxic principle is protodioscin, and the main form of clinical presentation of the toxicosis is hepatogenous photosensitization. Here we compare protodioscin levels in B. decumbens and B. brizantha and review the literature on the concentrations and methodologies of collection and analysis of the toxic principle in Brachiaria spp. and the risk of contamination of pastures by more toxic species that may facilitate poisoning by plants of this genus in sheep. The experiment was conducted in pastures originally formed by B. brizantha, with many B. decumbens invasion points. The occurrence of cases of poisoning by Brachiaria spp. was the criterion for confirming pasture toxicity. The forage samples were collected at ten random points every 28 days through manual grazing simulation. The samples were analyzed for protodioscin by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with light scattering by evaporation (ELSD) after being dried and crushed. In the flock of 69 sheep, five poisoning cases occurred, three sheep died, and two recovered. The protodioscin levels found in the evaluated pastures ranged from 0.70 to 0.45%; higher levels appeared in B. decumbens (7.09%) compared to 1.04% in B. brizantha. We suggest that Brachiaria spp. should be avoided in pastures where sheep are grazing.

RESUMO: Plantas do gênero Brachiaria, utilizadas em vários países como forragem, são tóxicas para várias espécies pecuárias. Seu princípio tóxico é a protodioscina, e a principal forma de apresentação clínica da toxicose é a fotossensibilização hepatógena. Este estudo teve como objetivo comparar os níveis de protodioscina em B. decumbens e B. brizantha e revisar a literatura sobre as concentrações e metodologias de coleta e análise do princípio tóxico em Brachiaria spp. e o risco de contaminação das pastagens por espécies mais tóxicas que podem facilitar a intoxicação por plantas desse gênero em ovinos. O experimento foi conduzido em pastagens originalmente formadas por B. brizantha, com diversos pontos de invasão por B. decumbens. Ocorrência de casos de intoxicação por Brachiaria spp. foi o critério para confirmação da toxicidade da pastagem. As amostras de forragem foram coletadas a cada 28 dias em dez pontos aleatórios por meio de simulação de pastejo manual. As amostras foram analisadas para protodioscina por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (HPLC) com dispersão de luz por evaporação (ELSD) após serem secadas e trituradas. No rebanho de 69 ovelhas, cinco desenvolveram a intoxicação, três morreram e duas se recuperaram. Os níveis de protodioscina encontrados nas pastagens avaliadas variaram de 0,70 a 0,45%; níveis mais elevados apareceram em B. decumbens (7,09%) em comparação com 1,04% em B. brizantha. Sugerimos que Brachiaria spp. deve ser evitada no pasto de ovelhas em pastejo.

Acute necrotic hepatotoxicity caused by Lantana camara L. ingestion in dairy cattle

ABSTRACT: This study describes an outbreak of acute necrotic hepatopathy associated with spontaneous poisoning by Lantana camara L. in dairy cattle. A herd of 15 cows and heifers was introduced into a native pasture with limited food supply, and, sixteen days later, eight animals had spontaneous nasal hemorrhage, fever, lethargy, jaundice, and dry, dark stools with mucus and blood. The clinical course varied from two to five days. In the pasture where the cattle were kept, abundant adult specimens of L. camara L. with evident signs of consumption were observed. In total, seven cattle died and necropsy was performed in three of them. All animals had moderate jaundice, hemorrhage in the subcutaneous tissue and on the surface of different organs. The liver was slightly enlarged, with orange discoloration and enhanced lobular pattern. Histologically, multifocal areas of coagulative necrosis of hepatocytes in the centrilobular area, occasionally extending to the midzonal area, were observed, as well as marked hepatocellular degeneration and prominent cholestasis. The current study suggests that L. camara L. poisoning should be considered a differential diagnosis of acute and necrotic hepatotoxicity in cattle, despite the absence of photosensitization.

RESUMO: Esse estudo descreve um surto de hepatopatia necrótica aguda associada a intoxicação espontânea por Lantana camara L. em bovinos leiteiros. Um lote de 15 vacas e novilhas foram introduzidas em um piquete com campo nativo, com escassa oferta de alimento. Após dezesseis dias, oito animais manifestaram epistaxe, febre, apatia, icterícia, fezes ressecadas e escuras com muco e sangue. A evolução do quadro clínico variou de dois a cinco dias. No piquete em que os bovinos estavam alojados havia grande quantidade de L. camara L. com sinais evidentes de consumo. No total, sete bovinos morreram, e destes, o exame post mortem foi realizado em três. Os bovinos exibiam moderada icterícia, hemorragias no tecido subcutâneo e na superfície de diferentes órgãos. O fígado estava discretamente aumentado, com coloração alaranjada e padrão lobular evidente. As lesões histológicas consistiam em acentuada necrose de coagulação de hepatócitos em região centrolobular, por vezes se estendendo a região mediozonal, além de acentuada degeneração dos hepatócitos e evidente Colestase. O presente trabalho alerta para que intoxicação por L. camara L. seja levada em consideração nos diagnósticos diferenciais de hepatotoxicidade necrótica aguda em bovinos, mesmo sem indícios de fotossensibilização.

Analysis of plant and poisonous mushroom poisoning events among people aged 0-19 in Guizhou Province from 2015 to 2019 / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of plant and mushroom poisoning events among people aged 0-19 in Guizhou Province from 2015 to 2019, so as to provide the basis for prevention and control of food poisoning events among children and adolescents.@*Methods@#Data of people aged 0 to 19 involved in plant and mushroom poisoning incidents reported by the foodborne disease outbreak surveillance system in Guizhou Province from 2015 to 2019 were collected, verified, sorted and statistically analyzed.@*Results@#From 2015 to 2019, there were 590 cases of plant and mushroom poisoning among people aged 0 to 19 in Guizhou Province, 1 441 people were poisoned and 5 died. In May and September, family and collective dining halls were the places with the highest incidence of plant and poisonous mushroom poisoning incidents, accounting for 90.68% (535/590) of the total incidents. Poisonous mushrooms and masanberry accounted for 71.69% (423/590) of the food poisoning causes, and 5 people died of poisoning were caused by poisonous mushrooms.@*Conclusion@#In the cases of plant and mushroom poisoning among people aged 0-19 years in Guizhou Province,preschool primary and middle school students in rural areas are most vulnerable population of poisoning, so it is necessary to strengthen the publicity and education on the prevention and control of toxic plant and mushroom poisoning among children and teenagers in rural areas, so as to reduce the occurrence of relevant poisoning incidents.

Palicourea marcgravii (Rubiaceae) poisoning in cattle grazing in Brazil.

Palicourea marcgravii is the most important poisonous plant of cattle in Brazil. It contains monofluoroacetic acid and causes sudden death associated with exercise. Herein, we describe the temporal and spatial distribution of the toxic disease. The survey was based on the epidemiological, clinical, and pathological data of the Setor de Anatomia Patológica (SAP) of the Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (UFRuralRJ) to report outbreaks of poisoning by P. marcgravii, from 1953 to 2018. Clinical signs were peracute and included labored breathing, loss of balance, muscle tremors, lateral recumbency, and limb paddling. Gross lesions such as congestion of large vessels and edema and pulmonary congestion were observed. Multifocal areas of vacuolar hydropic degeneration of distal contorted tubule cells with nuclear pyknosis were observed in the kidneys. The plant is found in forests, and the poisoning occurs mainly after clearing forests for pasture, in areas of natural forest recovery called "capoeira," which provide a favorable environment for maintaining P. marcgravii growth. Outbreaks of P. marcgravii poisoning coincided with periods of creation of large deforested pastures in the Southeast and Midwest regions of Brazil, and the poisoning should be considered an additional risk after deforestation. The most effective prophylaxis is fencing off the forest areas that contain these plants.

Poisoning by Enterolobium contortisiliquum pods in calves showing photosensitization and digestive lesions / [Lesões digestivas e fotossensibilização em bezerros intoxicados pelas favas de Enterolobium contortisiliquum]

Este trabalho descreve um surto de rumenite e abomasite decorrente de sobrecarga de carboidratos em um rebanho de 238 bezerros, com idades entre 12 e 15 meses, causada pela ingestão dos frutos de Enterolobium contortisiliquum. As taxas de morbidade, mortalidade e letalidade foram de, respectivamente, 12,7%, 5,2% e 42,1%. Clinicamente, os bovinos apresentaram fotossensibilização, salivação e diarreia. Os achados de necropsia foram semelhantes nos dois bezerros necropsiados e consistiram de fotodermatite e rumenite ulcerativa multifocal, subaguda a crônica, e abomasite. A relevância deste relato é que, pela primeira vez, foi possível associar a ocorrência da rumenite devido à sobrecarga de carboidratos com a intoxicação espontânea por E. contortisiliquum em bovinos, confirmando achados anteriormente descritos em experimentos realizados com ovinos.(AU)

Photosensitization by Brachiaria ruziziensis in a sheep herd.

Some species of the genus Brachiaria are cultivated worldwide in tropical and subtropical climate regions as the main feed for ruminants. Several studies report photosensitization by Brachiaria decumbens, Brachiaria brizantha, and Brachiaria humidicola, but the poisoning by Brachiaria ruziziensis have been reported only twice. Cutaneous and hepatic lesions may be caused by the steroidal saponins present in the leaves or by the mycotoxin sporidesmin produced by the saprophyte fungus Pithomyces chartarum. The present report describes the clinical and pathological changes observed in an outbreak of hepatogenic photosensitization in sheep kept in B. ruziziensis pastures. In addition, the present study will provide a better understanding of the etiology of this photosensitization through the evaluation of the saponin protodioscin and the spore count of P. chartarum. Santa Inês and Lacaune mixed-breed sheep showed signs of photosensitization after feeding B. ruziziensis. Clinical signs included jaundice, apathy, dehydration, and photosensitization characterized by facial edema and cutaneous scars, especially in the ears. Pathological examination of the liver revealed diffuse infiltrates of foamy cells, rare multinucleated cells, and mild enlargement of hepatocytes (megalocytosis). The skin showed acute epidermal and dermal necrosis with occlusive thrombi. B. ruziziensis showed low levels of protodioscin (0.020 ± 0.024% in mature leaves and 0.065 ± 0.084% in sprouts) but high P. chartarum spore counts (mean of 479,844 ± 443,951 spores/g plant). Thus, sheep grazing B. ruziziensis pastures must be closely monitored because of the risk of photosensitization.

Oenantha Crocata: A Case Report of Multiple Poisoning with Fatal Outcome.

BACKGROUND: Plant poisonings are uncommon in adults, and rarely fatal. Oenantha crocata is a toxic plant growing in the humid grasslands of North America and Western Europe. CASE REPORT: We report here two adults who ingested Oenantha crocata roots, having mistaken them for edible tuberous radish. One developed vomiting and needed only 24 h symptomatic treatment, whereas the other suffered prolonged convulsions, cardiac arrest, and severe metabolic acidosis, leading to a fatal outcome. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Cases of poisoning with Oenantha crocata are rare and destabilizing. With increased interest in "natural" foods and team building by survival training, medical teams should be aware of the management for such poisoning.

Cistus salviifolius Toxicity in Cattle.

Toxicity related to consumption of Cistus sp. pl. has been described in ruminants in some countries. This report describes the clinical and pathological findings of Cistus salviifolius toxicosis in 3 beef cattle herds located in 2 different areas of Sicily, Italy. Outbreaks were observed after grazing in poor winter pasture where C. salviifolius was abundant. Mean morbidity and mortality were 29% and 21%, respectively. Most of the affected animals (6 to 36 months old) showed anorexia, weight loss, and pollakiuria culminating in recumbency and death. Occasionally, abortion and neurological signs were observed. In animals with acute signs, there was a moderate decrease of sodium and chloride concentrations in serum. Animals with chronic signs showed an increase of serum urea, creatine phosphokinase (CPK), aspartate transaminase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and phosphorus and a decrease in total serum protein, calcium, chloride, and magnesium concentrations. Moderate anemia and slight neutropenia, lymphocytosis, and eosinophilia were detected in all groups. At necropsy, the main lesion was severe distention of the urinary bladder with turbid hemorrhagic urine and crystalluria. Histologically, chronic cystitis, interstitial nephritis, eosinophilic enteritis, and nonsuppurative necrotizing hepatitis were observed. To our knowledge, this is the first report of C. salviifolius toxicosis in cattle in Italy.