Dermatopathy caused by Tephrosia noctiflora intoxication in cattle. (30th January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Barbosa, Fernanda P.S.; Tenório, Mayra S.M.; Riet-Correa, Franklin; Fonseca, Sílvio M.C.; Silva Filho, Givaldo B.; Bom, Hisadora A.S.C.; Santos, José R.P.; Wicpolt, Nathalia S.; Mendonça, Fábio S.
• Is Part Of: Toxicon. Volume 206(2022)
• Page Start: 21
• Page End: 27
• Publication Date: 2022-01-30
• Subjects: Skin -- Dermatitis -- Lichenification -- Poisonous plant -- Cattle; Toxins -- Periodicals; Venom -- Periodicals; 615.9
• DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2021.12.007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0041-0101

Abstract

Abstract: An outbreak of a disease characterized by emaciation, dermatitis with erythema, alopecia, foul-smelling exudation, crusting, hyperpigmentation, lichenification, and edema of fore- and hindlimbs, chest and dewlap is described affecting cattle in the State of Alagoas, Northeastern Brazil. Microscopically, the main lesions were characterized by diffuse dermatitis with infiltration of lymphocytes, histiocytes, parakeratotic hyperkeratosis and acanthosis. The plant Tephrosia noctiflora, which exhibited signs of consumption, infested the grazing areas of cattle. To test its toxicity, T. noctiflora was harvested, dried in the shade, crushed and sourced at a concentration of 50% mixed with commercial food for three guinea pigs. The main clinical signs in guinea pigs included weight loss and multifocal, moderate to severe areas of alopecia, diffuse erythema of the skin, vaginal edema and hematuria. Microscopically, lymphocytic and histiocytic dermatitis, parakeratotic hyperkeratosis and acanthosis were noted in guinea pigs. This experiment confirms that T. noctiflora is the cause of outbreaks of dermatitis observed in cattle grazing in areas infested by this plant. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Tephrosia noctiflora intoxication causes severe dermatitis and emaciation in cattle. Alopecia, crusting, hyperpigmentation, and lichenification are observed in the skin. Edema of fore- and hindlimbs, chest and dewlap are also observed in severely intoxicated cattle. Intoxications causes economic losses due to death of animals, poor weight gain, and low quality of the carcasses. Guinea pigs are sensitive to the intoxication caused by T. noctiflora.