Ochratoxicosis in Swine: clinical and pathological changes following prolonged exposure to Ochratoxin A

Abstract

Mycotoxic nephropathy \vas induced in 5 young crossbred pigs by diets contaminated with ochratoxin A (OTA) at levels corresponding to those naturally encountered in SOlne animal feeds in India. CHnico-pathological and pathomorphological changes were exau1ined in pigs exposed to OTA for 12 weeks at a dose rate of 2.5 mg OTA/kg feed (= 2.5 ppm). OTA treated pigs sho\ved typical clinical signs. Significant helnatological changes included increased haemoglobin concentration, decrease in pev. leukocytosis, lymphocytosis and monocytosis. Estimation of serum biochernicals revealed decrease in total protein, albumin, globulin and increase in creatinine, urea, ALT, AST and ALP activities. In addition to characteristic gross and histopathological changes, Inetastatic calcification in the kidneys, liver, intestines, myocardium, splenic trabeculae and brain were observed. The mean levels of OTA in the kidneys, liver and heart/n1uscle in the OTA treated pigs were 29.15, 20.1 and 12.6 ppb, respectively. Since consumption of contaminated pork has deleterious effects on human health, OTA levels in animal feed should be carefully monitored.