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Using roquefortine C as a biomarker for penitrem A intoxication
Asheesh K Tiwary1, Birgit Puschner, Robert H Poppenga
1California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, Toxicology Laboratory, University of California, West Health Science Drive, Davis, CA 95616, USA. aktiwary@ucdavis.edu
Summary
Roquefortine C can indicate Penitrem A exposure in dogs, but its presence alone may stem from consuming blue cheese or spoiled feed. Clinical signs are crucial for accurate diagnosis of Penitrem A intoxication.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Toxicology
- Mycotoxicology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Penitrem A, a tremorgenic mycotoxin from Penicillium spp., is linked to intoxication, primarily in dogs.
- Roquefortine C, another mycotoxin produced by Penicillium roqueforti and Penicillium crustosum, causes a paralytic syndrome.
Observation:
- This study investigated roquefortine C as a potential biomarker for Penitrem A exposure in two canine cases.
- Analysis of vomitus, serum, and urine was performed for both roquefortine C and Penitrem A.
Findings:
- Roquefortine C shows promise as a sensitive biomarker for Penitrem A intoxication.
- Detection of roquefortine C without Penitrem A may indicate ingestion of contaminated food sources like blue cheese or silage.
- Literature review revealed no cases of Penitrem A positivity without roquefortine C, and roquefortine C levels often exceeded Penitrem A levels when both were present.
Implications:
- Roquefortine C can serve as a valuable biomarker for Penitrem A exposure in veterinary diagnostics.
- Clinical presentation remains essential for interpreting roquefortine C detection, especially when Penitrem A is not identified.
