The effect of aflatoxin on immunity in turkeys. I. Impairment of actively acquired resistance to bacterial challenge.

TLDR: Aflatoxin consumed immediately before the immunizing period did not impair the development of a solid immune response and mean agglutinin titers of the vaccinated aflatoxin recipients were of the same magnitude as those of vaccinated recipients of normal rations.

Abstract: Aflatoxin (0.25-0.5 ppm B1 activity) consumed during or after the period of immunization against Pasteurella multocida interfered with the development or manifestation of acquired resistance in 2067% of turkey poults and chicks. Aflatoxin consumed immediately before the immunizing period did not impair the development of a solid immune response. Aflatoxin fed for 3 weeks caused changes in several parameters including reduced rate of gain in body weight, histologic changes of the liver, and reduced levels of several plasma proteins. When an aflatoxin-free ration was fed for 3 weeks after toxin consumption, each of the above parameters returned to normal, but the defect in immunity remained when the principals had been immunized during the period of aflatoxin consumption. Plasma protein changes included reduced levels of total protein, a,p-globulin, and albumin; levels of a-globulin remained normal. Mean agglutinin titers of the vaccinated aflatoxin recipients were of the same magnitude as those of vaccinated recipients of normal rations.