What is "moniliformin"

Moniliformin is an unusual mycotoxin, a feed contaminant that is lethal to fowl, especially ducklings.

Moniliformin is formed in many cereals by a number of Fusarium species that include Fusarium moniliforme, Fusarium avenaceum, Fusarium subglutinans, Fusarium proliferatum, Fusarium fujikuroi and others. It is mainly cardiotoxic and causes ventricular hypertrophy. Moniliformin actually causes competitive inhibition of the activity of pyruvate dehydrogenase complex of respiratory reaction, which prevents pyruvic acid, product of glycolysis, to convert to acetyl CoA. Ultrastructural examination of right ventricular wall of 9 month old female mink (Mustela vison) fed acute doses of moniliformin (2.2 and 2.8 mg/kg diet) and sub-acute doses (1.5 to 3.2 mg/kg diet) reveals significant damage to myofiber, mitochondria, Z and M lines and sarcoplasmic reticulum as well as increased extracellular collagen deposition. Mink is considered most sensitive mammals to the toxicity of moniliformin.