Abstract
Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a common Fusarium toxin in poultry feed. Chickens are more resistant to the adverse impacts of deoxynivalenol (DON) compared to other species. In general, the acute form of DON mycotoxicosis rarely occurs in poultry flocks under normal conditions. However, if diets contain low levels of DON (less than 5 mg DON/kg diet), lower productivity, impaired immunity and higher susceptibility to infectious diseases can occur. The molecular mechanism of action of DON has not been completely understood. A significant influence of DON in chickens is the impairment of immunological functions. It was known that low doses of DON elevated the serum IgA levels and affected both cell-mediated and humoral immunity in animals. DON is shown to suppress the antibody response to infectious bronchitis vaccine (IBV) and to Newcastle disease virus (NDV) in broilers (10 mg DON/kg feed) and laying hens (3.5 to 14 mg of DON/kg feed), respectively. Moreover, DON (10 mg DON/kg feed) decreased tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in the plasma of broilers. DON can severely affect the immune system and, due to its negative impact on performance and productivity, can eventually result in high economic losses to poultry producers. The present review highlights the impacts of DON intoxication on cell mediated immunity, humoral immunity, gut immunity, immune organs and pro-inflammatory cytokines in chickens.
Highlights
Fusarium mycotoxins frequently contaminate cereal grains, which are the main constituents of poultry feeds
Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a mycotoxin produced by Fusarium species
Linear reduction in the feed intake and a slight decrease in body weight gain of broiler chickens fed with a diet contaminated with Fusarium mycotoxins, including DON as a major toxin, were found by Dänicke et al [30]
Summary
Fusarium mycotoxins frequently contaminate cereal grains, which are the main constituents of poultry feeds. The adverse impacts of DON mycotoxin on immune function have been documented in experimental animals, pigs and poultry and cell culture models. It is not completely known, how DON modulates the immune responses. The reduction of TNF-α in the plasma after chronic feeding of DON in this study is a significant indicator that DON can impair immune function and increase susceptibility to infectious diseases. DON adversely affected the intestinal histomorphology, electrophysiology, absorption and barrier function in chickens [16,17,18,19] These toxic effects of DON on the immune response and on intestinal functions of chickens are summarized in this review as indicators for the adverse effects of DON on poultry health
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