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Pig Journal Volume: 66
Publication date: December 2011

Research Papers

RISK OF MYCOTOXINS TO PIG HEALTH: IMMUNOSUPPRESSIVE EFFECTS
I.P. OSWALD

Abstract
Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites elaborated by filamentous fungi belonging mainly to the genuses Aspergillus, Penicilium and Fusarium. They are produced on a wide variety of raw materials before, during and after harvest. Mycotoxins are very resistant to technological treatments and can be present in foodstuffs intended for man and animals,where they present a wide spectrum of toxic effects. Most mycotoxins can alter immune function. The sensitivity of the immune system to mycotoxin-induced immunosuppression arises fromthe vulnerability of the continually proliferating and differentiating cells that participate in immunemediated activities and regulate the complex communication network between cellular and humoral components. Mycotoxin induced immunosuppression may be manifested as depressed T or B lymphocyte activity, suppressed antibody production and impaired macrophage/neutrophil-effect or functions. The immune system is primarily responsible for defence against invading organisms. Suppressed immune function by mycotoxinsmay eventually decrease resistance to infectious diseases, reactivate chronic infections and/or decrease vaccine and drug efficacy. In this review,we shall summarise the work demonstrating the immunosuppressive effects of mycotoxin on pig and the consequences in terms of pig health.

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