Endemic Xanthium strumarium poisoning in cattle in flooded areas of the Araguari River, Minas Gerais, Brazil. (September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Machado, Mizael; Queiroz, Cintia R.R.; Wilson, Tais M.; Sousa, Davi E.R.; Castro, Márcio B.; Saravia, Anderson; Lee, Stephen T.; Armién, Aníbal G.; Barros, Severo S.; Riet-Correa, Franklin
• Is Part Of: Toxicon. Volume 200(2021)
• Page Start: 23
• Page End: 29
• Publication Date: 2021-09
• Subjects: Toxic plants -- Cattle -- Hydroelectric plants -- Carboxyatractyloside -- Acute hepatotoxicosis -- Xanthium strumarium; Toxins -- Periodicals; Venom -- Periodicals; 615.9
• DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2021.06.019
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0041-0101

Abstract

Abstract: In this paper, we describe poisoning outbreaks of Xanthium strumarium in cattle on the borders of the Araguari River, Southeastern Brazil. In this region, several hydroelectric plants promote transient flooding, which creates a favorable environment for the invasion of X. strumarium in extensive areas, often as the predominant species in those areas. The outbreaks occurred between July and September (dry season). Bovines of all ages were affected, including suckling animals. Mortality varied from 2% to 5.5%. The animals exhibited ataxia, weakness, loss of balance, recumbency, and the majority were found dead. Laboratory results showed a marked increase in the serum activities of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma-glutamyltransferase. Histological and ultrastructural changes in the liver consisted of centrilobular necrosis and hemorrhage. On toxicological evaluation, the dicotyledons contained 0.30 μg/mg of atractyloside and 0.37 μg/mg of carboxyatractyloside. Considerable economic loss has occurred in this region due to the lack of knowledge regarding X. strumarium as a toxic plant and its adaptation to the environmental and climatic conditions of the region, which have made the condition endemic. Highlights: Xanthium strumarium, which contains carboxyatractyloside, is a cause of hepatic liver necrosis in ruminants and horses. The poisoning has been reported sporadically in temperate areas due to the ingestion of the seedling or the burs of the plant. The poisoning became very important after the introduction of the plant where hydroelectric plants promote transient flooding. The seedlings sprout after flooding, during the dry period, when the water returns to its normal level. To prevent severe losses, it is important to reduce the infestation of X. strumarium in such areas.