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Patulin produced by an Aspergillus clavatus isolated from feed containing malting residues associated with a lethal neurotoxicosis in cattle

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Abstract

A severe neurotoxicosis, comprising tremors, ataxia, paresis, recumbency and death, occurred simultaneously among several herds of beef cattle in the region of Flanders (Belgium). After a first multi-toxin screening of some suspected diet elements, verruculogen was detected in a sample of a common feed ingredient. However, when the first animal necropsies revealed serious nervous lesions, including neuronal degeneration of the central nervous system and axonal degeneration in the peripheral nervous system, further investigations focused on fungal isolation. As expected from the pathological lesions, Aspergillus clavatus was found to be the dominant fungal species in a sample of compacted fodder, containing malting residues, consumed by all the affected herds. The isolated fungus appeared to produce patulin in culture medium. Traces of patulin were also detected in the fodder. These findings and their possible role in the intoxication are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Veterinary Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 16, P.O. Box 80.152, 3508 TD, Utrecht, The Netherlands

    Monica Sabater-Vilar, Roel F. M. Maas & Johanna Fink-Gremmels

  2. Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gent University, Salisburylaan 133, B 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium

    Hendrik De Bosschere & Richard Ducatelle

Authors
  1. Monica Sabater-Vilar
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  2. Roel F. M. Maas
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  3. Hendrik De Bosschere
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  5. Johanna Fink-Gremmels
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Correspondence to Johanna Fink-Gremmels.

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Sabater-Vilar, M., Maas, R.F.M., De Bosschere, H. et al. Patulin produced by an Aspergillus clavatus isolated from feed containing malting residues associated with a lethal neurotoxicosis in cattle. Mycopathologia 158, 419–426 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11046-005-2877-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11046-005-2877-x

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