Pig feed and fumonisins — a threat to the immune system?

摘要

Fumonisins are produced by fungi of the Fusarium (F. verticillioides, F. prolifera-turn etc) and Aspergillus (A. niger) species (see photograph). Fumonisin toxicosis in swine has been related to porcine pulmonary oedema (PPE) since 1981, arising froman experimental exposition of pigs to corn contaminated by F. verticillioides. This was confirmed by outbreaks of pulmonary oedema in pigs due to the ingestion of corn contaminated with fumonisins in the midwestern and southeastern parts of the United States.