FREE SHIPPING over $40
OVER 9000 FIVE-STAR REVIEWS
5% OFF ALL SUBSCRIPTIONS
100% HAPPINESS GUARANTEE
Analyze Diet
0
Home / Equine Research Bank / Mycopathologia / A review and update of animal toxicoses associated with fumo...
Mycopathologia1992; 117(1-2); 109-114; doi: 10.1007/BF00497286

A review and update of animal toxicoses associated with fumonisin-contaminated feeds and production of fumonisins by Fusarium isolates.

Abstract: During the 1989 corn harvest season, numerous reports of equine leukoencephalomalacia (ELEM) outbreaks and a pulmonary edema (PPE) syndrome in swine from several regions of the United States were received by the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL), Ames, Iowa. Previous and concurrent research linked Fusarium moniliforme and fumonisin-contaminated feeds to both diseases. Chemical and mycological investigations revealed fumonisin B1 (FB1) concentrations of 20 to 360 ppm in suspect swine feeds and 8 to 117 ppm in suspect equine feeds. Nonproblem feeds contained concentrations below 8 ppm. Fusarium moniliforme and Fusarium proliferatum were isolated from both problem and nonproblem equine and swine feeds. When cultured on autoclaved corn, the F. moniliforme and F. proliferatum isolated produced respective FB1 and fumonisin B2 (FB2) that range from less than 5 to more than 2450 ppm and less than 5 to more than 1000 ppm, respectively. Isolates from both problem and nonproblem feeds produces high levels (greater than 500 ppm) in culture. Reported here is a review of chemical and mycological data resulting from the study of several cases of PPE and ELEM.
Get Full Text
Publication Date: 1992-02-01 PubMed ID: 1513366DOI: 10.1007/BF00497286Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
LinkedInCopy
  • Journal Article
  • Review

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research investigates illnesses in horses and swine linked to eating feed contaminated with fungal toxins. The study presents an overview of the chemical and microbiological findings after examining various feed samples related to these animal disease outbreaks.

Research Context

  • The study was prompted by multiple reports of equine leukoencephalomalacia (ELEM), a fatal disease affecting horses, and pulmonary edema syndrome (PPE), a lung condition affecting pigs, during the 1989 corn harvest season in several regions of the United States.
  • Both diseases were associated with Fusarium moniliforme, a fungus that contaminates feed, and fumonisin, the toxic byproduct produced by this fungus. This established link formed the foundation for the study’s investigation.

Research Findings

  • On testing feeds suspected to cause the illnesses, the research found large concentrations of fumonisin B1 (FB1) – ranging between 20 to 360 parts per million (ppm) in pig feed and 8 to 117 ppm in horse feed. Feed considered non-problematic contained less than 8 ppm.
  • The fungus Fusarium moniliforme and Fusarium proliferatum were identified in both problematic and non-problematic feeds for horses and pigs.
  • When cultured on sterilized corn, these fungi produced large amounts of FB1 and another toxic variant, fumonisin B2 (FB2), in concentrations ranging from less than 5 up to more than 2450 ppm and less than 5 to more than 1000 ppm respectively.
  • These fungi, whether isolated from problematic or non-problematic feeds, all produced high levels (greater than 500 ppm) of these toxins in culture.

Conclusion

  • The research successfully reviewed and updated chemical and microbiological data surrounding the illnesses of PPE in pigs and ELEM in horses.
  • This comprehensive investigation may contribute to better understanding of animal toxicoses associated with fumonisin-contaminated feeds and shape future research in mitigating the risks posed by such feed contamination.

Cite This Article

APA
Ross PF, Rice LG, Osweiler GD, Nelson PE, Richard JL, Wilson TM. (1992). A review and update of animal toxicoses associated with fumonisin-contaminated feeds and production of fumonisins by Fusarium isolates. Mycopathologia, 117(1-2), 109-114. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00497286

Publication

Mycopathologia
ISSN: 0301-486X
NlmUniqueID: 7505689
Country: Netherlands
Language: English
Volume: 117
Issue: 1-2
Pages: 109-114

Researcher Affiliations

Ross, P F
  • Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Science and Technology, National Veterinary Services Laboratories, USDA, Ames, IA 50010.
Rice, L G
    Osweiler, G D
      Nelson, P E
        Richard, J L
          Wilson, T M

            MeSH Terms

            • Animal Feed / analysis
            • Animals
            • Encephalomalacia / chemically induced
            • Encephalomalacia / veterinary
            • Food Microbiology
            • Fumonisins
            • Fusarium / metabolism
            • Horse Diseases / chemically induced
            • Horses
            • Mycotoxins / analysis
            • Mycotoxins / biosynthesis
            • Mycotoxins / poisoning
            • Pulmonary Edema / chemically induced
            • Pulmonary Edema / veterinary
            • Swine
            • Swine Diseases / chemically induced
            • Zea mays

            References

            This article includes 14 references
            1. Ross PF, Rice LG, Reagor JC, Osweiler GD, Wilson TM, Nelson HA, Owens DL, Plattner RD, Harlin KA, Richard JL. Fumonisin B1 concentrations in feeds from 45 confirmed equine leukoencephalomalacia cases.. J Vet Diagn Invest 1991 Jul;3(3):238-41.
              pubmed: 1911996doi: 10.1177/104063879100300310google scholar: lookup
            2. Wilson BJ, Maronpot RR. Causative fungus agent of leucoencephalomalacia in equine animals.. Vet Rec 1971 May 8;88(19):484-6.
              pubmed: 4996341doi: 10.1136/vr.88.19.484google scholar: lookup
            3. Wilson TM, Ross PF, Rice LG, Osweiler GD, Nelson HA, Owens DL, Plattner RD, Reggiardo C, Noon TH, Pickrell JW. Fumonisin B1 levels associated with an epizootic of equine leukoencephalomalacia.. J Vet Diagn Invest 1990 Jul;2(3):213-6.
              pubmed: 2094447doi: 10.1177/104063879000200311google scholar: lookup
            4. Alberts JF, Gelderblom WC, Thiel PG, Marasas WF, Van Schalkwyk DJ, Behrend Y. Effects of temperature and incubation period on production of fumonisin B1 by Fusarium moniliforme.. Appl Environ Microbiol 1990 Jun;56(6):1729-33.
              pubmed: 2383011doi: 10.1128/aem.56.6.1729-1733.1990google scholar: lookup
            5. Ross PF, Nelson PE, Richard JL, Osweiler GD, Rice LG, Plattner RD, Wilson TM. Production of fumonisins by Fusarium moniliforme and Fusarium proliferatum isolates associated with equine leukoencephalomalacia and a pulmonary edema syndrome in swine.. Appl Environ Microbiol 1990 Oct;56(10):3225-6.
              pubmed: 2285324doi: 10.1128/aem.56.10.3225-3226.1990google scholar: lookup
            6. Ross PF, Rice LG, Plattner RD, Osweiler GD, Wilson TM, Owens DL, Nelson HA, Richard JL. Concentrations of fumonisin B1 in feeds associated with animal health problems.. Mycopathologia 1991 Jun;114(3):129-35.
              pubmed: 1886638doi: 10.1007/BF00437200google scholar: lookup
            7. Kellerman TS, Marasas WF, Thiel PG, Gelderblom WC, Cawood M, Coetzer JA. Leukoencephalomalacia in two horses induced by oral dosing of fumonisin B1.. Onderstepoort J Vet Res 1990 Dec;57(4):269-75.
              pubmed: 2293136
            8. Osweiler GD, Ross PF, Wilson TM, Nelson PE, Witte ST, Carson TL, Rice LG, Nelson HA. Characterization of an epizootic of pulmonary edema in swine associated with fumonisin in corn screenings.. J Vet Diagn Invest 1992 Jan;4(1):53-9.
              pubmed: 1554770doi: 10.1177/104063879200400112google scholar: lookup
            9. Voss KA, Norred WP, Plattner RD, Bacon CW. Hepatotoxicity and renal toxicity in rats of corn samples associated with field cases of equine leukoencephalomalacia.. Food Chem Toxicol 1989 Feb;27(2):89-96.
              pubmed: 2714720doi: 10.1016/0278-6915(89)90002-1google scholar: lookup
            10. Marasas WF, Kellerman TS, Gelderblom WC, Coetzer JA, Thiel PG, van der Lugt JJ. Leukoencephalomalacia in a horse induced by fumonisin B1 isolated from Fusarium moniliforme.. Onderstepoort J Vet Res 1988 Dec;55(4):197-203.
              pubmed: 3217091
            11. Kriek NP, Kellerman TS, Marasas WF. A comparative study of the toxicity of Fusarium verticillioides (= F. moniliforme) to horses, primates, pigs, sheep and rats.. Onderstepoort J Vet Res 1981 Jun;48(2):129-31.
              pubmed: 7312307
            12. Nelson PE, Plattner RD, Shackelford DD, Desjardins AE. Production of fumonisins by Fusarium moniliforme strains from various substrates and geographic areas.. Appl Environ Microbiol 1991 Aug;57(8):2410-2.
              pubmed: 1768112doi: 10.1128/aem.57.8.2410-2412.1991google scholar: lookup
            13. Gelderblom WC, Jaskiewicz K, Marasas WF, Thiel PG, Horak RM, Vleggaar R, Kriek NP. Fumonisins--novel mycotoxins with cancer-promoting activity produced by Fusarium moniliforme.. Appl Environ Microbiol 1988 Jul;54(7):1806-11.
              pubmed: 2901247doi: 10.1128/aem.54.7.1806-1811.1988google scholar: lookup
            14. Harrison LR, Colvin BM, Greene JT, Newman LE, Cole JR Jr. Pulmonary edema and hydrothorax in swine produced by fumonisin B1, a toxic metabolite of Fusarium moniliforme.. J Vet Diagn Invest 1990 Jul;2(3):217-21.
              pubmed: 2094448doi: 10.1177/104063879000200312google scholar: lookup

            Citations

            This article has been cited 33 times.
            1. Maragos CM, Barnett K, Morgan L, Vaughan MM, Sieve KK. Measurement of Fumonisins in Maize Using a Portable Mass Spectrometer. Toxins (Basel) 2022 Jul 30;14(8).
              doi: 10.3390/toxins14080523pubmed: 36006185google scholar: lookup
            2. Chen J, Li Z, Cheng Y, Gao C, Guo L, Wang T, Xu J. Sphinganine-Analog Mycotoxins (SAMs): Chemical Structures, Bioactivities, and Genetic Controls. J Fungi (Basel) 2020 Nov 24;6(4).
              doi: 10.3390/jof6040312pubmed: 33255427google scholar: lookup
            3. Loh ZH, Ouwerkerk D, Klieve AV, Hungerford NL, Fletcher MT. Toxin Degradation by Rumen Microorganisms: A Review. Toxins (Basel) 2020 Oct 20;12(10).
              doi: 10.3390/toxins12100664pubmed: 33092236google scholar: lookup
            4. Mikušová P, Caboň M, Melichárková A, Urík M, Ritieni A, Slovák M. Genetic Diversity, Ochratoxin A and Fumonisin Profiles of Strains of Aspergillus Section Nigri Isolated from Dried Vine Fruits. Toxins (Basel) 2020 Sep 14;12(9).
              doi: 10.3390/toxins12090592pubmed: 32937759google scholar: lookup
            5. Landoni M, Puglisi D, Cassani E, Borlini G, Brunoldi G, Comaschi C, Pilu R. Phlobaphenes modify pericarp thickness in maize and accumulation of the fumonisin mycotoxins. Sci Rep 2020 Jan 29;10(1):1417.
              doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-58341-8pubmed: 31996735google scholar: lookup
            6. Kamle M, Mahato DK, Devi S, Lee KE, Kang SG, Kumar P. Fumonisins: Impact on Agriculture, Food, and Human Health and their Management Strategies. Toxins (Basel) 2019 Jun 7;11(6).
              doi: 10.3390/toxins11060328pubmed: 31181628google scholar: lookup
            7. Rosa Junior OF, Dalcin MS, Nascimento VL, Haesbaert FM, Ferreira TPS, Fidelis RR, Sarmento RA, Aguiar RWS, Oliveira EE, Santos GRD. Fumonisin Production by Fusarium verticillioides in Maize Genotypes Cultivated in Different Environments. Toxins (Basel) 2019 Apr 10;11(4).
              doi: 10.3390/toxins11040215pubmed: 30974722google scholar: lookup
            8. Han X, Jiang H, Xu J, Zhang J, Li F. Dynamic Fumonisin B₂ Production by Aspergillus niger Intented Used in Food Industry in China. Toxins (Basel) 2017 Jul 9;9(7).
              doi: 10.3390/toxins9070217pubmed: 28698485google scholar: lookup
            9. McCormick SP. Microbial detoxification of mycotoxins. J Chem Ecol 2013 Jul;39(7):907-18.
              doi: 10.1007/s10886-013-0321-0pubmed: 23846184google scholar: lookup
            10. Stockenström S, Sydenham EW, Thiel PG. Determination of fumonisins in corn: Evaluation of two purification procedures. Mycotoxin Res 1994 Mar;10(1):9-14.
              doi: 10.1007/BF03192246pubmed: 23605917google scholar: lookup
            11. Fadl-Allah E, Stack M, Goth R, Bean G. Production of fumonisins B1, B 2 and B 3 byFusarium proliferatum Isolated from rye grains. Mycotoxin Res 1997 Mar;13(1):43-8.
              doi: 10.1007/BF02945061pubmed: 23604737google scholar: lookup
            12. Pilu R, Cassani E, Sirizzotti A, Petroni K, Tonelli C. Effect of flavonoid pigments on the accumulation of fumonisin B1 in the maize kernel. J Appl Genet 2011 May;52(2):145-52.
              doi: 10.1007/s13353-010-0014-0pubmed: 21116770google scholar: lookup
            13. Mogensen JM, Nielsen KF, Samson RA, Frisvad JC, Thrane U. Effect of temperature and water activity on the production of fumonisins by Aspergillus niger and different Fusarium species. BMC Microbiol 2009 Dec 31;9:281.
              doi: 10.1186/1471-2180-9-281pubmed: 20043849google scholar: lookup
            14. Schjøth JE, Visconti A, Sundheim L. Fumonisins in maize in relation to climate, planting time and hybrids in two agroecological zones in Zambia. Mycopathologia 2009 Apr;167(4):209-19.
              doi: 10.1007/s11046-008-9166-4pubmed: 19003428google scholar: lookup
            15. Wu F. Mycotoxin reduction in Bt corn: potential economic, health, and regulatory impacts. Transgenic Res 2006 Jun;15(3):277-89.
              doi: 10.1007/s11248-005-5237-1pubmed: 16779644google scholar: lookup
            16. Missmer SA, Suarez L, Felkner M, Wang E, Merrill AH Jr, Rothman KJ, Hendricks KA. Exposure to fumonisins and the occurrence of neural tube defects along the Texas-Mexico border. Environ Health Perspect 2006 Feb;114(2):237-41.
              doi: 10.1289/ehp.8221pubmed: 16451860google scholar: lookup
            17. Klaasen JA, Nelson PE. Identity of Fusarium nygamai isolates with long and short microconidial chains from millet, sorghum and soil in Africa. Mycopathologia 1997-1998;140(3):171-6.
              doi: 10.1023/A:1006863825469pubmed: 16284817google scholar: lookup
            18. Ghiasian SA, Rezayat SM, Kord-Bacheh P, Maghsood AH, Yazdanpanah H, Shephard GS, van der Westhuizen L, Vismer HF, Marasas WF. Fumonisin production by Fusarium species isolated from freshly harvested corn in Iran. Mycopathologia 2005 Jan;159(1):31-40.
              doi: 10.1007/s11046-004-3899-5pubmed: 15750730google scholar: lookup
            19. Pepeljnjak S, Petrinec Z, Kovacic S, Segvic M. Screening toxicity study in young carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) on feed amended with fumonisin B1. Mycopathologia 2003;156(2):139-45.
              doi: 10.1023/a:1022944927493pubmed: 12733635google scholar: lookup
            20. Rheeder JP, Marasas WF, Vismer HF. Production of fumonisin analogs by Fusarium species. Appl Environ Microbiol 2002 May;68(5):2101-5.
              doi: 10.1128/AEM.68.5.2101-2105.2002pubmed: 11976077google scholar: lookup
            21. Solfrizzo M, Visconti A, Avantaggiato G, Torres A, Chulze S. In vitro and in vivo studies to assess the effectiveness of cholestyramine as a binding agent for fumonisins. Mycopathologia 2001;151(3):147-53.
              doi: 10.1023/a:1017999013702pubmed: 11678589google scholar: lookup
            22. Bacon CW, Yates IE, Hinton DM, Meredith F. Biological control of Fusarium moniliforme in maize. Environ Health Perspect 2001 May;109 Suppl 2(Suppl 2):325-32.
              doi: 10.1289/ehp.01109s2325pubmed: 11359703google scholar: lookup
            23. Ono EY, Sugiura Y, Homechin M, Kamogae M, Vizzoni E, Ueno Y, Hirooka EY. Effect of climatic conditions on natural mycoflora and fumonisins in freshly harvested corn of the State of Paraná, Brazil. Mycopathologia 1999;147(3):139-48.
              doi: 10.1023/a:1007171701245pubmed: 11040864google scholar: lookup
            24. Fadl Allah EM. Occurrence and toxigenicity of Fusarium moniliforme from freshly harvested maize ears with special references to fumonisin production in Egypt. Mycopathologia 1997-1998;140(2):99-103.
              doi: 10.1023/a:1006874029950pubmed: 9687259google scholar: lookup
            25. Tseng TC, Liu CY. Occurrence of fumonisin B1 and B2 in corn-based foodstuffs in Taiwan market. Mycopathologia 1997;137(1):57-61.
              doi: 10.1023/a:1006874707759pubmed: 9299759google scholar: lookup
            26. Reddy RV, Johnson G, Rottinghaus GE, Casteel SW, Reddy CS. Developmental effects of fumonisin B1 in mice. Mycopathologia 1996;134(3):161-6.
              doi: 10.1007/BF00436724pubmed: 8981781google scholar: lookup
            27. Powell DC, Bursian SJ, Bush CR, Render JA, Rottinghaus GE, Aulerich RJ. Effects of dietary exposure to fumonisins from Fusarium moniliforme culture material (M-1325) on the reproductive performance of female mink. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 1996 Aug;31(2):286-92.
              doi: 10.1007/BF00212379pubmed: 8781082google scholar: lookup
            28. Plattner RD, Nelson PE. Production of beauvericin by a strain of Fusarium proliferatum isolated from corn fodder for swine. Appl Environ Microbiol 1994 Oct;60(10):3894-6.
              doi: 10.1128/aem.60.10.3894-3896.1994pubmed: 7986058google scholar: lookup
            29. Rheeder JP, Sydenham EW, Marasas WF, Thiel PG, Shephard GS, Schlechter M, Stockenström S, Cronje DE, Viljoen JH. Ear-rot fungi and mycotoxins in South African corn of the 1989 crop exported to Taiwan. Mycopathologia 1994 Jul;127(1):35-41.
              doi: 10.1007/BF01104009pubmed: 7935737google scholar: lookup
            30. Meireles MC, Corrêa B, Fischman O, Gambale W, Paula CR, Chacon-Reche NO, Pozzi CR. Mycoflora of the toxic feeds associated with equine leukoencephalomalacia (ELEM) outbreaks in Brazil. Mycopathologia 1994 Sep;127(3):183-8.
              doi: 10.1007/BF01102919pubmed: 7808512google scholar: lookup
            31. Gross SM, Reddy RV, Rottinghaus GE, Johnson G, Reddy CS. Developmental effects of fumonisin B1-containing Fusarium moniliforme culture extract in CD1 mice. Mycopathologia 1994 Nov;128(2):111-8.
              doi: 10.1007/BF01103018pubmed: 7777035google scholar: lookup
            32. Restum JC, Bursian SJ, Millerick M, Render JA, Merrill AH Jr, Wang E, Rottinghaus GE, Aulerich RJ. Chronic toxicity of fumonisins from Fusarium moniliforme culture material (M-1325) to mink. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 1995 Nov;29(4):545-50.
              doi: 10.1007/BF00208387pubmed: 7574884google scholar: lookup
            33. Foolchand A, Ghazi T, Chuturgoon AA. Fumonisin B(1) induces global DNA hypermethylation in human glioblastoma U87MG cells. Epigenetics 2025 Dec;20(1):2523690.
              doi: 10.1080/15592294.2025.2523690pubmed: 40566980google scholar: lookup
            Subscribe to our newsletter
            Join 99,344 horse owners like you who receive our email updates on horse health and nutrition.