Signs of Fusarium Infection
Fusarium fungus (Fusarium moniliforme) produces mycotoxins called
fumonisins. The important toxin is fumonisin B1 which is a confirmed
carcinogen. In horses, brain and liver are the organs affected. The most common
lesion is the necrosis in the white matter which may occur as a result of low
consumption of the toxin over a long time. Another condition is hepatitis which
leads to degenerative liver disease (hepatoencephalopathy). Lesions of both
types may be present in the same animal.
Fumonisins inhibit ceramide synthetase enzyme thereby blocking the
biosynthesis of complex sphingolipids resulting in accumulation of sphinganine
and sometimes sphingasine which act as cytotoxic agents, or lead to cell
proliferation affecting a wide variety of cellular systems.
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