Haemato-biochemical alterations during subchronic combined aflatoxicosis and ochratoxicosis in rabbits

Haemato-biochemical alterations during subchronic aflatoxicosis and ochratoxicosis, individually and in combination, were studied in New Zealand White rabbits. They were fed with basal rations containing aflatoxin B1 (AFBj) @ 0.5 ppm (Group I), ochratoxin A (OTA) @ 1 ppm (Group II) and AFB1 @ 0.5 ppm + OTA @ 1 ppm (Group IE) and standard toxin free feed (Group IV) for 60 days and were analysed for various haematological and biochemical parameters at 30th and 60th days post treatment. In Aflatoxin B1 fed rabbits, significant increase in TEC values were observed from 30 days onwards. Results indicated that there were significant decrease in haemoglobin, PCV and TLC values along with heterophilia associated with lymphocytopenia. Biochemically, hypoproteinemia, hypoalbuminemia and hypoglobulinemia were observed along with increased activities of serum ALT, AST and LDH. In ochratoxin A fed rabbits, significant increase in TEC, heterophil and monocyte counts along with a leucocy topenia associated with lymphopenia were observed. Biochemically, hypoproteinemia, hypoalbuminemia and decreased glucose and ALP values along with increase in the creatinine and LDH levels were recorded. AFB1 and OTA in combination caused decreases in Hb, PCV, TLC, MCV, MCH, MCHC, and increase in TEC and thereby causing microcytic hypochromic anaemia as compared to the individual treatments, wherein both caused microcytic normochromic anemia. Significant lymphocytopenia along with heterophilia was also observed. Biochemically, hypoproteinemia, hypoalbuminemia and hypoglobulinaemia along with increased activities of creatinine, ALP, ALT, AST and LDH levels were observed. The effects caused on glucose, total protein, creatinine, ALT and AST levels were comparable to those effects of either of the toxins fed. Albumin, ALP and LDH showed significant changes as compared with both the individual treatment groups as well as control group suggestive of additive interaction of AFB1 and OTA. Overall, in the combined treatment group, significant haematobiochemical changes of more severity were observed which suggested an additive interaction between the two toxins.