Fumonisins are micotoxins produced by a fungus of the genera Fusarium, one of the main fitopathogens that occur in maize. Isolated in 1988, from moudly corn samples in a high incidence area of esophageal cancer in Africa, fumonisins are related with several diseases including equine leucoencephalomalacia and porcine pulmonary edema and hydrothorax. The present review approaches the natural occurrence of fumonisins in maize, its physical and quimical molecular characteristics and toxicological effects in horses, porcine, poultry and cattle. This review also discusses the micotoxins pathophisiology.
Fumonisins; F.verticillioides (Sacc.) Nirenb.