Ochratoxin A in serum of swine from different Brazilian states

CD KRUGER; LR CAVAGLIERI; GM DIREITO; AM DALCERO

JOURNAL OF VETERINARY DIAGNOSTIC INVESTIGATION

AMER ASSOC VETERINARY LABORATORY DIAGNOSTICIANS INC

Lugar: USA; Año: 2010 vol. 22 p. 1 - 4

1040-6387

The aims of the current study were to monitor the presence of ochratoxin A (OTA) in the serum of slaughtered swine, and to investigate its distribution in 4 major geographical regions of Brazil. A total of 400 samples of serum were collected from 4 major states of Brazil (100 samples each). Ochratoxin A concentrations were determined by  high-performance liquid chromatography. In Santa Catarina State, 60% of the samples had OTA concentrations ranging from 4.01 to 75.4 mg/l-1. In Mato Grosso State, 75% of the samples had OTA concentrations ranging from 0.17 to 46.79 mgl-1.  Bahia State samples had OTA concentrations ranging from 2.72 to 4.13 mg/l-1 in 36% of the samples, whereas 68% of the samples from Rio de Janeiro State had  OTA concentrations ranging from 0.16 to 115 mg/l-1. Only Santa Catarina State and Rio de Janeiro State had serum samples that exceeded 75 mg/l-1 OTA in 20% and 2% of the samples, respectively. A direct relationship between the higher concentrations of OTA in serum from the States of Santa Catarina and Rio de Janeiro and the highest concentrations of OTA in food intended for animal consumption in the same 2 Brazilian states, was found in the present study. OTA distribution in foodstuffs is very heterogeneous and an alternative method to monitor the presence of OTA in feed is to analyze swine serum samples, which reflects the toxin content of the ingested feed. This strategy could prevent the occurrence of ochratoxicosis in animal production, reduce economic losses, and minimize hazards to human health