Pulmonary Edema and Hydrothorax in Swine Produced by Fumonisin B1, a Toxic Metabolite of Fusarium Moniliforme

Abstract

Pulmonary edema and hydrothorax were observed in mature swine that died approximately 5 days after consuming corn screenings. These postmortem observations were reproduced in younger swine (16–24 kg) that died within 1 week when fed the corn screenings under experimental conditions. Additionally, pulmonary edema and hydrothorax occurred in a pig (7.1 kg) that died after receiving 4 daily intravenous injections of fumonisin B,. A fungus was isolated from the corn screenings that is identical to Fusarium moniliforme MRC-826 in colony morphology and under microscopic examination.