Neospora caninum in aborted bovine fetuses in Trakya Region, Turkey - histopathological, immunohistochemical and molecular detection

Background: Being the major cause of bovine abortion in the world, Neosporosis is considered to be a very important protozoal infection in dairy cattle. Vertical transplacental transmission is the major route of the infection causing either abortion or birth of calves with persistent infection. As the seropositivity in individual cows and in fetal serology only indicate exposure to the protozoa, the diagnosis of the infection has to be based on histopathology of aborted fetuses. Additional techniques such as immunohistochemistry (IHC) and PCR are required for the detection of the etiological agent. The purpose of the current study was to diagnose Neospora caninum infection in aborted bovine fetuses in Trakya Region of Turkey. For this purpose, serological, histopathological, IHC, and PCR methods were used. Materials, Methods & Results: The blood samples and the fetuses of 55 aborted dairy cattle from various farms located in 3 provinces of Trakya, Turkey constituted the material of the present study. The sera obtained from the blood samples were tested using a Neospora caninum Antibody Test Kit cELISA and anti-N. caninum antibodies were detected in the sera of the dams of the 8 aborted fetuses (8/55; 14.54%). Following the necropsy, samples from the brain, heart, liver, lung, kidney, spleen, and placenta of 55 fetuses were routinely processed for histopathological examination and evaluated under a light microscope. Nonsuppurative encephalitis (15/55; 27.27%), necrosis (5/55; 9%) and gliosis (1/55; 1.8%) in the brain, mild to severe nonsuppurative myocarditis and epicarditis (14/55; 25.45%), and portal to mid-zonal nonsuppurative hepatitis (13/55; 23.63%) were the relevant findings. PCR analysis was performed on fresh frozen fetal tissues. Nested PCR detected N. caninum DNA in the brain, heart, liver, lung, and kidney tissues of 6 fetuses (6/55; 10.9%). IHC was performed on the brain, heart, and liver tissues of all the fetuses using avidin-biotin-complex peroxidase method. Immunoreactivity was observed in the brain of 1 fetus (1/55; 1.8%). Discussion: In the present study, histopathological, immunohistochemical and PCR analyses were performed to detect N. caninum in 55 spontenously aborted bovine fetuses in Trakya Region, Turkey. Histopathologic hallmark of the study was nonsuppurative inflammation found mostly in the brain, heart and liver followed by kidneys and lungs. No protozoa was observed in the microscopic examination supporting the fact that definitive diagnosis of N. caninum infection requires ancillary techniques such as IHC and PCR. Nested PCR detected N. caninum DNA in the tissues of 6 fetuses (6/55; 10.9%). Brain was the most reliable organ for detection by PCR (6/6; 100%), compatible with the previous reports. IHC diagnosis revealed only 1.8% positivity in the present study which was remarkably lower than found in the previous studies. Even though histopathology in conjunction with IHC are accepted as the "gold standard" methods to detect N. caninum infection in aborted bovine fetuses, there are studies claiming that IHC is relatively insensitive in the diagnosis of neosporosis as parasite numbers can be low and thus, false negative results can be obtained. Other factors affecting the sensitivity of the technique are thoroughly discussed by many authors. Supportively, the findings of the current study showed that using both IHC and PCR as complementary techniques, increases the success of detection of N. caninum as recommended in previous studies. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated the first molecular diagnosis of Neospora caninum infection in bovine aborted fetuses in Trakya Region of Turkey which has a critical geographical location bordering Europe.

Raiva paralítica em suíno no Rio Grande do Sul / Paralytic rabies in swine at Rio Grande do Sul

A raiva é uma doença infecciosa, potencialmente zoonótica, de distribuição mundial que afeta mamíferos domésticos, silvestres e humanos. Na América do Sul a raiva paralítica ocorre na forma de surtos cíclicos e é transmitida por morcegos hematófagos, principalmente o Desmodus rotundus. É uma doença responsável por prejuízos econômicos na pecuária, além de apresentar importância para a saúde pública. O presente trabalho tem como objetivo relatar um caso de raiva suína diagnosticado no Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico, da Faculdade de Veterinária, da Universidade Federal de Pelotas. O caso ocorreu em uma propriedade localizada no município do Capão do Leão em um suíno, fêmea, sem raça definida, de dois anos de idade, criada em regime semiextensivo. Segundo o proprietário o animal apresentou apatia, anorexia, paralisia progressiva e decúbito lateral. Devido a evolução do quadro clínico foi realizada a eutanásia. Na necropsia não foram observadas lesões significativas. No exame histopatológico do encéfalo observou-se meningoencefalite não supurativa, manguito perivascular de linfócitos e raros eosinófilos, além de satelitose e gliose. Fragmentos do encéfalo e medula foram submetidos ao exame de Imunofluorescência Direta e prova biológica, confirmando o diagnóstico de raiva.

Rabies is a potentially zoonotic infectious disease with worldwide distribution that affects domestic, wild and human mammals. In South America, paralytic rabies occurs in the form of cyclic outbreaks and is transmitted by hematophagous bats, mainly Desmodus rotundus. It is a disease responsible for economic losses in livestock, besides of presenting importance to public health. This paper aims to report a case of swine rabies diagnosed at the Laboratório Regional de Diagnostico, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas. The case occurred in a property located in the county of Capão do Leão in a female pig, twoyear-old, undefined breed, raised in a semi-extensive regime. According to the owner, the animal presented apathy, anorexia, progressive paralysis and lateral decubitus. Due to the evolution of the clinical condition, euthanasia was performed. At necropsy no significant lesions were observed. Histopathological examination of the brain showed non-suppurative meningoencephalitis, perivascular cuff of lymphocytes and rare eosinophils, as well as satelitosis and gliosis. Brain and spinal cord fragments were submitted to Direct Immunofluorescence and biological tests, confirming the diagnosis of rabies.

Raiva paralítica em suíno no Rio Grande do Sul / Paralytic rabies in swine at Rio Grande do Sul

A raiva é uma doença infecciosa, potencialmente zoonótica, de distribuição mundial que afeta mamíferos domésticos, silvestres e humanos. Na América do Sul a raiva paralítica ocorre na forma de surtos cíclicos e é transmitida por morcegos hematófagos, principalmente o Desmodus rotundus. É uma doença responsável por prejuízos econômicos na pecuária, além de apresentar importância para a saúde pública. O presente trabalho tem como objetivo relatar um caso de raiva suína diagnosticado no Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico, da Faculdade de Veterinária, da Universidade Federal de Pelotas. O caso ocorreu em uma propriedade localizada no município do Capão do Leão em um suíno, fêmea, sem raça definida, de dois anos de idade, criada em regime semiextensivo. Segundo o proprietário o animal apresentou apatia, anorexia, paralisia progressiva e decúbito lateral. Devido a evolução do quadro clínico foi realizada a eutanásia. Na necropsia não foram observadas lesões significativas. No exame histopatológico do encéfalo observou-se meningoencefalite não supurativa, manguito perivascular de linfócitos e raros eosinófilos, além de satelitose e gliose. Fragmentos do encéfalo e medula foram submetidos ao exame de Imunofluorescência Direta e prova biológica, confirmando o diagnóstico de raiva.(AU)

Rabies is a potentially zoonotic infectious disease with worldwide distribution that affects domestic, wild and human mammals. In South America, paralytic rabies occurs in the form of cyclic outbreaks and is transmitted by hematophagous bats, mainly Desmodus rotundus. It is a disease responsible for economic losses in livestock, besides of presenting importance to public health. This paper aims to report a case of swine rabies diagnosed at the Laboratório Regional de Diagnostico, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas. The case occurred in a property located in the county of Capão do Leão in a female pig, twoyear-old, undefined breed, raised in a semi-extensive regime. According to the owner, the animal presented apathy, anorexia, progressive paralysis and lateral decubitus. Due to the evolution of the clinical condition, euthanasia was performed. At necropsy no significant lesions were observed. Histopathological examination of the brain showed non-suppurative meningoencephalitis, perivascular cuff of lymphocytes and rare eosinophils, as well as satelitosis and gliosis. Brain and spinal cord fragments were submitted to Direct Immunofluorescence and biological tests, confirming the diagnosis of rabies.(AU)

Intoxicação espontânea por brotos de Xanthium spp. em bovinos no sul do Rio Grande do Sul / Spontaneous poisoning by sprouts of Xanthium spp. in cattle in southern Rio Grande do Sul

Background: Xanthium spp., the cockleburs, are invasive plants found on riverbanks, lakeshores, and floodplains. Ingestion of Xanthium sprouts or fruit causes cocklebur toxicosis, which is characterized clinically and pathologically by acuteliver failure. The main lesion observed is an accentuation of the lobular pattern of the liver (nutmeg appearance), whichis microscopically characterized by coagulation necrosis in the centrilobular region, hepatocyte degeneration in otherregions of the hepatic parenchyma, and sinusoidal congestion. The objective of this study was to describe an outbreak ofspontaneous cattle poisoning by ingestion of Xanthium spp. sprouts in the southern region of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.Case: In September 2018, a beef cattle farm located in Rio Grande county, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, reported significantmortality of cattle in a short period of time. There were 700 cattle on the property, divided by class into three differentherds, all kept under extensive conditions in native wetlands. All fields were heavily infested by cocklebur, with mostplants in the budding stage. Twenty animals developed muscle tremors, salivation, aggression, and recumbency. Theclinical course lasted 24 to 48 h, with a lethal outcome in all cases. An 18-month-old male crossbreed bovine was sent tothe Regional Diagnostic Laboratory of the Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPel) School of Veterinary Medicine fornecropsy. Gross examination revealed ascites and accentuation of the lobular pattern of the liver. Organ fragments wereharvested and fixed in 10% buffered formalin. Microscopically, the liver exhibited marked coagulation necrosis in thecentrilobular region and vacuolization of the hepatocyte cytoplasm in the midzonal and periportal regions. In the brain,there was perineuronal edema, cytoplasmic shrinkage and basophilia, gliosis, and satellitosis...

Intoxicação espontânea por brotos de Xanthium spp. em bovinos no sul do Rio Grande do Sul / Spontaneous poisoning by sprouts of Xanthium spp. in cattle in southern Rio Grande do Sul

Background: Xanthium spp., the cockleburs, are invasive plants found on riverbanks, lakeshores, and floodplains. Ingestion of Xanthium sprouts or fruit causes cocklebur toxicosis, which is characterized clinically and pathologically by acuteliver failure. The main lesion observed is an accentuation of the lobular pattern of the liver (nutmeg appearance), whichis microscopically characterized by coagulation necrosis in the centrilobular region, hepatocyte degeneration in otherregions of the hepatic parenchyma, and sinusoidal congestion. The objective of this study was to describe an outbreak ofspontaneous cattle poisoning by ingestion of Xanthium spp. sprouts in the southern region of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.Case: In September 2018, a beef cattle farm located in Rio Grande county, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, reported significantmortality of cattle in a short period of time. There were 700 cattle on the property, divided by class into three differentherds, all kept under extensive conditions in native wetlands. All fields were heavily infested by cocklebur, with mostplants in the budding stage. Twenty animals developed muscle tremors, salivation, aggression, and recumbency. Theclinical course lasted 24 to 48 h, with a lethal outcome in all cases. An 18-month-old male crossbreed bovine was sent tothe Regional Diagnostic Laboratory of the Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPel) School of Veterinary Medicine fornecropsy. Gross examination revealed ascites and accentuation of the lobular pattern of the liver. Organ fragments wereharvested and fixed in 10% buffered formalin. Microscopically, the liver exhibited marked coagulation necrosis in thecentrilobular region and vacuolization of the hepatocyte cytoplasm in the midzonal and periportal regions. In the brain,there was perineuronal edema, cytoplasmic shrinkage and basophilia, gliosis, and satellitosis...(AU)

Severe outbreak of avian encephalomyelitis in laying hens in Northeastern Brazil

This paper describes the epidemiological, clinical and pathological aspects of an avian encephalomyelitis (AE) outbreak in commercial laying hens in Northeastern Brazil. The disease affected 23,409 layers (from day one until 100 weeks) leading to mortality of 16.5% (5,049/30,600) of the flock. Twenty laying hens were clinically examined, and blood samples were collected and tested by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Five laying hens with neurological signs were necropsied and samples of the brain, cerebellum, spinal cord, sciatic nerve, heart, ceca tonsils, proventriculus and liver were collected, fixed in formalin buffered solution and processed according to routine methods for histological examination. Clinical signs were observed in approximately 60% of the chicken flock and included depression, ataxia, head and neck tremors, head tilt, motor incoordination and corneal opacity and of lens. All laying hens presented seroconversion for AE, with a geometric mean titer (GMT) of 6,854 and CV of 9.6%. At necropsy, there were bilateral opacity of the cornea and lens and the blood vessels of the cerebral cortex were hyperemic. The main microscopic lesions in the central nervous system consisted of red and shrunken neurons in the cerebral cortex, cerebellum and spinal cord. Significant areas of gliosis were observed in the cerebral cortex and in the molecular layer of the cerebellum. Hyperplasia of the proventricular lymphoid tissue and the ceca tonsils were observed with different degrees of intensity. In Northeastern Brazil, there havent been previous reports of AE in commercial laying hens and this outbreak possibly occurred by inefficient immunization of laying breeders at the genetic supply company.(AU)

Severe outbreak of avian encephalomyelitis in laying hens in Northeastern Brazil

This paper describes the epidemiological, clinical and pathological aspects of an avian encephalomyelitis (AE) outbreak in commercial laying hens in Northeastern Brazil. The disease affected 23,409 layers (from day one until 100 weeks) leading to mortality of 16.5% (5,049/30,600) of the flock. Twenty laying hens were clinically examined, and blood samples were collected and tested by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Five laying hens with neurological signs were necropsied and samples of the brain, cerebellum, spinal cord, sciatic nerve, heart, ceca tonsils, proventriculus and liver were collected, fixed in formalin buffered solution and processed according to routine methods for histological examination. Clinical signs were observed in approximately 60% of the chicken flock and included depression, ataxia, head and neck tremors, head tilt, motor incoordination and corneal opacity and of lens. All laying hens presented seroconversion for AE, with a geometric mean titer (GMT) of 6,854 and CV of 9.6%. At necropsy, there were bilateral opacity of the cornea and lens and the blood vessels of the cerebral cortex were hyperemic. The main microscopic lesions in the central nervous system consisted of red and shrunken neurons in the cerebral cortex, cerebellum and spinal cord. Significant areas of gliosis were observed in the cerebral cortex and in the molecular layer of the cerebellum. Hyperplasia of the proventricular lymphoid tissue and the ceca tonsils were observed with different degrees of intensity. In Northeastern Brazil, there haven’t been previous reports of AE in commercial laying hens and this outbreak possibly occurred by inefficient immunization of laying breeders at the genetic supply company.

Caracterização etiológica, epidemiológica e clínico-patológica da meningoencefalite por herpesvírus bovino em bovinos no Estado de Goiás

ABSTRACT: Twenty six cases of bovine herpetic meningoencephalitis diagnosed from 2010-2016 in Goiás state, Brazil, were studied. Affected cattle were mainly 60-day to 18-month-old. There was no association of the disease with sex and seasonality. The disease was found in all five mesoregions with a higher prevalence in southern and central state of Goiás. Clinical signs more frequently observed included blindness, incoordination, circling, excessive salivation, and ataxia. Main gross findings in the brain were congestion with swelling and flattening of gyri, softening and yellow discoloration of cerebral cortex and hemorrhagic foci. In five cases no gross changes were observed in the brain and in four cases there is no information. The main histopathological changes were in the cortex of telencephalic lobes, especially the frontal and parietal; however less prominent and less frequently found lesions occurred in the thalamus, basal nuclei, midbrain, pons, medulla oblongata, cerebellum, and hippocampus. All cases presented lymphoplasmocytic meningoencephalitis and intranuclear basophilic inclusion bodies in astrocytes, less commonly in neurons. Other frequent lesions included segmental laminar neuronal necrosis (red neurons), spongiosis, swollen vascular endothelial nuclei, gliosis (focal and diffuse), hypertrophy of astrocytes, infiltration of gitter cells, congestion, and hemorrhage. Lesions less frequently observed were Alzheimer type II astrocytes, residual lesion and neuronophagia. The most frequently affected cortical layers by neuronal necrosis and edema were external and internal granular, molecular, and pyramidal cell layers. Gyri and sulci were equally affected. Of the 26 cases, in 2 (7.69%) the DNA of BoHV-5 was amplified with samples fixed in 10% formalin and paraffin-embedded. DNA of BoHV-1 was identified in another case (3.84%) where, positive to BoHV-1, fresh samples were used.

RESUMO: Foram estudados 26 casos de meningoencefalite por herpesvírus bovino (BoHV) diagnosticados entre 2010-2016, no Estado de Goiás (GO). A doença acometeu principalmente bovinos jovens, entre 60 dias a 18 meses de idade. Não houve associação entre os casos e o sexo dos bovinos e a sazonalidade. A doença foi observada em todas as cinco Mesorregiões do Estado, com uma frequência maior nas Mesorregiões Sul e Centro. Os sinais clínicos mais frequentemente observados incluíram cegueira, incoordenação, sialorreia e ataxia. As principais alterações macroscópicas observadas incluíram congestão com tumefação e achatamento das circunvoluções, amolecimento e amarelamento do córtex telencefálico e focos de hemorragia. Em cinco encéfalos, não foram observadas alterações macroscópicas e em quatro as alterações não foram informadas. As principais alterações histológicas ocorreram no córtex telencefálico, principalmente o córtex frontal e parietal, mas em alguns casos, lesões de menor intensidade foram também observadas no tálamo, núcleos basais, mesencéfalo, ponte, bulbo, cerebelo e hipocampo. Todos os casos apresentaram meningoencefalite linfoplasmocítica e corpúsculos de inclusão intranucleares basofílicos em astrócitos e, eventualmente, em neurônios. Outras lesões frequentes incluíram necrose neuronal laminar segmentar (neurônio vermelho), espongiose, tumefação do núcleo das células endoteliais, gliose focal ou difusa, hipertrofia de astrócitos, infiltração por células gitter, congestão e hemorragia. Lesões menos comuns incluíram astrócitos Alzheimer tipo II, lesão residual e neuronofagia. A necrose neuronal e o edema (espongiose) foram mais acentuados nas camadas granular externa, molecular, de células piramidais e granular interna dos telencéfalos. Tanto os giros quanto os sulcos foram afetados igualmente. Dos 26 casos, o DNA de BoHV-5 foi amplificado em dois (7,69%) casos, enquanto que o de BoHV-1 foi identificado em um caso (3,84%). Nos casos positivos para BoHV-5 foram usadas amostras fixadas em formol a 10% e incluídas em parafina e amostras congeladas foram utilizadas no caso positivo para BoHV-1.

Neurological diseases of cattle in the state of Goiás, Brazil (2010-2017) / Doenças neurológicas de bovinos no estado de Goiás (2010-2017)

A retrospective study was conducted on neurological diseases of cattle in the state of Goiás, Brazil, from March 2010 to August 2017. Samples of three veterinary diagnostic laboratories were analyzed. Diagnosis was established in 170 out of 407 cattle with neurological signs. Epidemiological, clinical, and anatomic pathology features of each case were researched in the files. Main disorders included diseases caused by viruses (rabies 29.41%, meningoencephalitis by bovine herpesvirus 15.88%, and malignant catarrhal fever 1.76%), by bacteria (botulism 5.88%, suppurative meningitis 3.53%, encephalic abscesses 2.94%, listeriosis 1.76%, and thrombotic meningoencephalitis 1.76%), of metabolic origin (polioencephalomalacia 17.06%), of indefinite cause (lymphoplasmacytic meningoencephalitis 11.18%, traumatic hemorrhages 3.53%, and multifocal malacia with gliosis 1.18%), congenital (hydrocephaly 1.18% and multiple malformations 0.59%), toxic (urea poisoning 1.18% and insecticide poisoning 0.59%), and parasitic (meningoencephalitis associated with infection by Trypanosoma sp. 0.59%).(AU)

Foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo de doenças neurológicas de bovinos no estado de Goiás durante o período de março de 2010 a agosto de 2017, analisando amostras de três laboratórios de diagnóstico veterinário. De 407 bovinos que apresentaram sinais clínicos neurológicos, o diagnóstico foi estabelecido em 170 casos. Desses casos, foram pesquisadas nas fichas as características epidemiológicas, clínicas e anatomopatológicas. As principais doenças diagnosticadas foram causadas por vírus (raiva 29,41%, meningoencefalite por herpesvírus bovino 15,88% e febre catarral maligna 1,76%), de origem metabólica (polioencefalomalacia 17,06%), por bactérias (botulismo 5,88%, meningite supurativa 3,53%, abscessos encefálicos 2,94%, listeriose 1,76% e meningoencefalite trombótica 1,76%), sem causa definida (meningoencefalite linfoplasmocítica 11,18%, hemorragias traumáticas 3,53% e malacia multifocal com gliose 1,18%), congênitas (hidrocefalia 1,18% e malformações múltiplas 0,59%), tóxicas (intoxicação por ureia 1,18% e intoxicação por inseticida 0,59%), e parasitária (meningoencefalite associada à infecção por Trypanosoma sp. 0,59%).(AU)

Neurological diseases of cattle in the state of Goiás, Brazil (2010-2017) / Doenças neurológicas de bovinos no estado de Goiás (2010-2017)

A retrospective study was conducted on neurological diseases of cattle in the state of Goiás, Brazil, from March 2010 to August 2017. Samples of three veterinary diagnostic laboratories were analyzed. Diagnosis was established in 170 out of 407 cattle with neurological signs. Epidemiological, clinical, and anatomic pathology features of each case were researched in the files. Main disorders included diseases caused by viruses (rabies 29.41%, meningoencephalitis by bovine herpesvirus 15.88%, and malignant catarrhal fever 1.76%), by bacteria (botulism 5.88%, suppurative meningitis 3.53%, encephalic abscesses 2.94%, listeriosis 1.76%, and thrombotic meningoencephalitis 1.76%), of metabolic origin (polioencephalomalacia 17.06%), of indefinite cause (lymphoplasmacytic meningoencephalitis 11.18%, traumatic hemorrhages 3.53%, and multifocal malacia with gliosis 1.18%), congenital (hydrocephaly 1.18% and multiple malformations 0.59%), toxic (urea poisoning 1.18% and insecticide poisoning 0.59%), and parasitic (meningoencephalitis associated with infection by Trypanosoma sp. 0.59%).(AU)

Foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo de doenças neurológicas de bovinos no estado de Goiás durante o período de março de 2010 a agosto de 2017, analisando amostras de três laboratórios de diagnóstico veterinário. De 407 bovinos que apresentaram sinais clínicos neurológicos, o diagnóstico foi estabelecido em 170 casos. Desses casos, foram pesquisadas nas fichas as características epidemiológicas, clínicas e anatomopatológicas. As principais doenças diagnosticadas foram causadas por vírus (raiva 29,41%, meningoencefalite por herpesvírus bovino 15,88% e febre catarral maligna 1,76%), de origem metabólica (polioencefalomalacia 17,06%), por bactérias (botulismo 5,88%, meningite supurativa 3,53%, abscessos encefálicos 2,94%, listeriose 1,76% e meningoencefalite trombótica 1,76%), sem causa definida (meningoencefalite linfoplasmocítica 11,18%, hemorragias traumáticas 3,53% e malacia multifocal com gliose 1,18%), congênitas (hidrocefalia 1,18% e malformações múltiplas 0,59%), tóxicas (intoxicação por ureia 1,18% e intoxicação por inseticida 0,59%), e parasitária (meningoencefalite associada à infecção por Trypanosoma sp. 0,59%).(AU)

Identification of Neospora caninumin aborted bovine fetuses of southern Chile

The aim of this study was to identify Neospora caninum in histologic sections of brain and optic nerve of aborted bovine fetuses. Sections of these tissues from 296 aborted bovine fetuses from Southern Chile, submitted between 2000 and 2010, to the Instituto de Patología Animal of the Universidad Austral de Chile were analyzed. Forty-four (14.9%) fetuses had microscopic lesions compatible with bovine neosporosis, including gliosis, necrosis, intralesional protozoan cysts and neuritis of optic nerves. N. caninum was identified by immunohistochemistry in brain sections of 27 cases (9.1%) with compatible lesions. Positive immunostaining was also found in the optic nerves of 13 cases (4.4%) with neuritis. N. caninum DNA was identified by PCR in brain sections in 31 cases (10.5%). In total, 36 cases (12.2%) were positive by either technique. Phylogenetic analysis of the ITS1 gene sequence of N. caninum revealed a high degree of conservation among different isolates. This is the first report of N. caninum-associated optic neuritis in cattle and also the first report of confirmed bovine abortion associated with this parasite in Chile.

Identification of Neospora caninumin aborted bovine fetuses of southern Chile

The aim of this study was to identify Neospora caninum in histologic sections of brain and optic nerve of aborted bovine fetuses. Sections of these tissues from 296 aborted bovine fetuses from Southern Chile, submitted between 2000 and 2010, to the Instituto de Patología Animal of the Universidad Austral de Chile were analyzed. Forty-four (14.9%) fetuses had microscopic lesions compatible with bovine neosporosis, including gliosis, necrosis, intralesional protozoan cysts and neuritis of optic nerves. N. caninum was identified by immunohistochemistry in brain sections of 27 cases (9.1%) with compatible lesions. Positive immunostaining was also found in the optic nerves of 13 cases (4.4%) with neuritis. N. caninum DNA was identified by PCR in brain sections in 31 cases (10.5%). In total, 36 cases (12.2%) were positive by either technique. Phylogenetic analysis of the ITS1 gene sequence of N. caninum revealed a high degree of conservation among different isolates. This is the first report of N. caninum-associated optic neuritis in cattle and also the first report of confirmed bovine abortion associated with this parasite in Chile.(AU)

Caracterização etiológica, epidemiológica e clínico-patológica da meningoencefalite por herpesvírus bovino em bovinos no Estado de Goiás / Etiological, epidemiological, clinical and pathological characterization of meningoencephalitis in cattle by bovine herpesvirus in the State of Goiás, Brazil

Foram estudados 26 casos de meningoencefalite por herpesvírus bovino (BoHV) diagnosticados entre 2010-2016, no Estado de Goiás (GO). A doença acometeu principalmente bovinos jovens, entre 60 dias a 18 meses de idade. Não houve associação entre os casos e o sexo dos bovinos e a sazonalidade. A doença foi observada em todas as cinco Mesorregiões do Estado, com uma frequência maior nas Mesorregiões Sul e Centro. Os sinais clínicos mais frequentemente observados incluíram cegueira, incoordenação, sialorreia e ataxia. As principais alterações macroscópicas observadas incluíram congestão com tumefação e achatamento das circunvoluções, amolecimento e amarelamento do córtex telencefálico e focos de hemorragia. Em cinco encéfalos, não foram observadas alterações macroscópicas e em quatro as alterações não foram informadas. As principais alterações histológicas ocorreram no córtex telencefálico, principalmente o córtex frontal e parietal, mas em alguns casos, lesões de menor intensidade foram também observadas no tálamo, núcleos basais, mesencéfalo, ponte, bulbo, cerebelo e hipocampo. Todos os casos apresentaram meningoencefalite linfoplasmocítica e corpúsculos de inclusão intranucleares basofílicos em astrócitos e, eventualmente, em neurônios. Outras lesões frequentes incluíram necrose neuronal laminar segmentar (neurônio vermelho), espongiose, tumefação do núcleo das células endoteliais, gliose focal ou difusa, hipertrofia de astrócitos, infiltração por células gitter, congestão e hemorragia. Lesões menos comuns incluíram astrócitos Alzheimer tipo II, lesão residual e neuronofagia. A necrose neuronal e o edema (espongiose) foram mais acentuados nas camadas granular externa, molecular, de células piramidais e granular interna dos telencéfalos. Tanto os giros quanto os sulcos foram afetados igualmente. Dos 26 casos, o DNA de BoHV-5 foi amplificado em dois (7,69%) casos, enquanto que o de BoHV-1 foi identificado em um caso (3,84%)...(AU)

Twenty six cases of bovine herpetic meningoencephalitis diagnosed from 2010-2016 in Goiás state, Brazil, were studied. Affected cattle were mainly 60-day to 18-month-old. There was no association of the disease with sex and seasonality. The disease was found in all five mesoregions with a higher prevalence in southern and central state of Goiás. Clinical signs more frequently observed included blindness, incoordination, circling, excessive salivation, and ataxia. Main gross findings in the brain were congestion with swelling and flattening of gyri, softening and yellow discoloration of cerebral cortex and hemorrhagic foci. In five cases no gross changes were observed in the brain and in four cases there is no information. The main histopathological changes were in the cortex of telencephalic lobes, especially the frontal and parietal; however less prominent and less frequently found lesions occurred in the thalamus, basal nuclei, midbrain, pons, medulla oblongata, cerebellum, and hippocampus. All cases presented lymphoplasmocytic meningoencephalitis and intranuclear basophilic inclusion bodies in astrocytes, less commonly in neurons. Other frequent lesions included segmental laminar neuronal necrosis (red neurons), spongiosis, swollen vascular endothelial nuclei, gliosis (focal and diffuse), hypertrophy of astrocytes, infiltration of gitter cells, congestion, and hemorrhage. Lesions less frequently observed were Alzheimer type II astrocytes, residual lesion and neuronophagia. The most frequently affected cortical layers by neuronal necrosis and edema were external and internal granular, molecular, and pyramidal cell layers. Gyri and sulci were equally affected. Of the 26 cases, in 2 (7.69%) the DNA of BoHV-5 was amplified with samples fixed in 10% formalin and paraffin-embedded. DNA of BoHV-1 was identified in another case (3.84%) where, positive to BoHV-1, fresh samples were used.(AU)

Glial scar-modulation as therapeutic tool in spinal cord injury in animal models

Purpose: Spinal Cord injury represents, in veterinary medicine, most of the neurological attendances and may result in permanent disability, death or euthanasia. Due to inflammation resulting from trauma, it originates the glial scar, which is a cell interaction complex system. Its function is to preserve the healthy circuits, however, it creates a physical and molecular barrier that prevents cell migration and restricts the neuroregeneration ability. Methods: This review aims to present innovations in the scene of treatment of spinal cord injury, approaching cell therapy, administration of enzyme, anti-inflammatory, and other active principles capable of modulating the inflammatory response, resulting in glial scar reduction and subsequent functional improvement of animals. Results: Some innovative therapies as cell therapy, administration of enzymes, immunosuppressant or other drugs cause the modulation of inflammatory response proved to be a promising tool for the reduction of gliosis. Conclusion: Those tools promise to reduce gliosis and promote locomotor recovery in animals with spinal cord injury.(AU)

Abiotrofia cerebelar em um gato: relato de caso / Cerebellar abiotrophy in a feline: case report

Um caso de abiotrofia cerebelar em um gato com 45 dias de idade foi diagnosticado no Laboratório de Patologia Animal, Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal de Campina Grande. O animal apresentava, havia 15 dias, apatia, anorexia, desidratação, ataxia, hipermetria, espasticidade dos membros torácicos e pélvicos, tremores de intenção, nistagmo, opistótono, déficit proprioceptivo e ausência de resposta de ameaça. Clinicamente, havia a suspeita de hipoplasia cerebelar, e, devido ao prognóstico desfavorável, o animal foi eutanasiado. Na necropsia, não foram observadas alterações macroscópicas. Microscopicamente, as lesões estavam restritas ao cerebelo e caracterizavam-se por alterações neurodegenerativas e necróticas, com desaparecimento segmentar dos neurônios de Purkinje. Nessas áreas, também se verificaram espaços em branco, denominado aspecto de cesto vazio, resultantes da perda dos neurônios de Purkinje, além de raros esferoides axonais e proliferação dos astrócitos de Bergmann. Em algumas áreas, a camada granular estava hipocelular e havia moderada gliose multifocal na camada molecular. O diagnóstico de abiotrofia cerebelar foi realizado com base nos dados epidemiológicos, clínicos e, principalmente, pelas alterações histopatológicas dos neurônios de Purkinje características da doença.(AU)

The aim of this report was to describe a case of cerebellar abiotrophy in cat with 45-year-old diagnosed at the Animal Pathology Laboratory, Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Campina Grande. The animal had presented 15-day apathy, anorexia, dehydration and neurological signs, characterized by ataxia, hypermetria, spasticity of fore and hindlimbs, intention tremor, nystagmus, opisthotonos, proprioceptive deficits, and absence of threat response. Clinically, cerebellar hypoplasia was suspected and the animal was euthanized due to poor prognosis. During necropsy, gross lesions were not observed. Microscopically the lesions were restricted to the cerebellum and were characterized by neurodegenerative and necrotic damage with segmental disappearance of the Purkinje cells. In these areas, there were also empty spaces, called the empty basket aspect, resulting from the loss of Purkinje cells, as well as rare axonal spheroids and proliferation of Bergmann's astrocytes. In some areas, the granular layer was hypocellular and there was moderate multifocal gliosis in the molecular layer. The diagnosis of cerebellar abiotrophy was based on epidemiological, clinical and mainly on histopathological changes in neurons of Purkinje disease characteristics.(AU)

Abiotrofia cerebelar em um gato: relato de caso / Cerebellar abiotrophy in a feline: case report

Um caso de abiotrofia cerebelar em um gato com 45 dias de idade foi diagnosticado no Laboratório de Patologia Animal, Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal de Campina Grande. O animal apresentava, havia 15 dias, apatia, anorexia, desidratação, ataxia, hipermetria, espasticidade dos membros torácicos e pélvicos, tremores de intenção, nistagmo, opistótono, déficit proprioceptivo e ausência de resposta de ameaça. Clinicamente, havia a suspeita de hipoplasia cerebelar, e, devido ao prognóstico desfavorável, o animal foi eutanasiado. Na necropsia, não foram observadas alterações macroscópicas. Microscopicamente, as lesões estavam restritas ao cerebelo e caracterizavam-se por alterações neurodegenerativas e necróticas, com desaparecimento segmentar dos neurônios de Purkinje. Nessas áreas, também se verificaram espaços em branco, denominado aspecto de cesto vazio, resultantes da perda dos neurônios de Purkinje, além de raros esferoides axonais e proliferação dos astrócitos de Bergmann. Em algumas áreas, a camada granular estava hipocelular e havia moderada gliose multifocal na camada molecular. O diagnóstico de abiotrofia cerebelar foi realizado com base nos dados epidemiológicos, clínicos e, principalmente, pelas alterações histopatológicas dos neurônios de Purkinje características da doença.(AU)

The aim of this report was to describe a case of cerebellar abiotrophy in cat with 45-year-old diagnosed at the Animal Pathology Laboratory, Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Campina Grande. The animal had presented 15-day apathy, anorexia, dehydration and neurological signs, characterized by ataxia, hypermetria, spasticity of fore and hindlimbs, intention tremor, nystagmus, opisthotonos, proprioceptive deficits, and absence of threat response. Clinically, cerebellar hypoplasia was suspected and the animal was euthanized due to poor prognosis. During necropsy, gross lesions were not observed. Microscopically the lesions were restricted to the cerebellum and were characterized by neurodegenerative and necrotic damage with segmental disappearance of the Purkinje cells. In these areas, there were also empty spaces, called the empty basket aspect, resulting from the loss of Purkinje cells, as well as rare axonal spheroids and proliferation of Bergmann's astrocytes. In some areas, the granular layer was hypocellular and there was moderate multifocal gliosis in the molecular layer. The diagnosis of cerebellar abiotrophy was based on epidemiological, clinical and mainly on histopathological changes in neurons of Purkinje disease characteristics.(AU)

Doença vestibular central por infarto isquêmico secundário a hipotireoidismo em cão / Central vestibular disease due to ischemic stroke secondary to hypothyroidism in a dog

Background: Hypothyroidism in dogs can cause lethargy, weight gain, dermatological signs and, uncommonly, neurological signs. These may involve the peripheral or central nervous system, leading to a decreased level of consciousness, central or peripheral vestibular disease, epileptic seizures, cognitive dysfunction, facial nerve paralysis, laryngeal paralysis, and polyneuropathy. There are few cases reported in the literature relating hypothyroidism and central vestibular disease. The aim of this study was to report a case of a stroke secondary to hypothyroidism that resulted in central vestibular syndrome in a dog. Case: A 13-year-old female Pitbull, weighting 37 kg, was referred to a Veterinary University Hospital with a two weeks history of dyspnea, coughing and walking difficulty. On neurological examination, the animal presented vertical nystagmus, somnolence, non-ambulatory tetraparesis, decreased postural reaction in all limbs and normal spinal reflexes. The laboratory exams revealed a mild leukocytosis and increased creatinine, glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides levels. Due to historical, clinical, neurological and laboratory tests findings, the animal was diagnosed with central vestibular syndrome secondary to an intracranial neoplasm. Clinical treatment was instituted with corticosteroids, however the animal did not respond and died. On necropsy, the heart was enlarged and coronary arteries were thicker. No macroscopic changes were found in the brain. On histological analysis, the coronary arteries were congest by lipids that almost occluded the arterial lumen. The same alteration were found in splenic and renal arterioles, and in the brain’s leptomeninges. Also in the brain, it was observed perivascular infiltration of mononuclear cells and focal gliosis. The thyroid was atrophied and fibrosed bilaterally. Therefore, those changes were compatible with atherosclerosis secondary to hypothyroidism...

Doença vestibular central por infarto isquêmico secundário a hipotireoidismo em cão / Central vestibular disease due to ischemic stroke secondary to hypothyroidism in a dog

Background: Hypothyroidism in dogs can cause lethargy, weight gain, dermatological signs and, uncommonly, neurological signs. These may involve the peripheral or central nervous system, leading to a decreased level of consciousness, central or peripheral vestibular disease, epileptic seizures, cognitive dysfunction, facial nerve paralysis, laryngeal paralysis, and polyneuropathy. There are few cases reported in the literature relating hypothyroidism and central vestibular disease. The aim of this study was to report a case of a stroke secondary to hypothyroidism that resulted in central vestibular syndrome in a dog. Case: A 13-year-old female Pitbull, weighting 37 kg, was referred to a Veterinary University Hospital with a two weeks history of dyspnea, coughing and walking difficulty. On neurological examination, the animal presented vertical nystagmus, somnolence, non-ambulatory tetraparesis, decreased postural reaction in all limbs and normal spinal reflexes. The laboratory exams revealed a mild leukocytosis and increased creatinine, glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides levels. Due to historical, clinical, neurological and laboratory tests findings, the animal was diagnosed with central vestibular syndrome secondary to an intracranial neoplasm. Clinical treatment was instituted with corticosteroids, however the animal did not respond and died. On necropsy, the heart was enlarged and coronary arteries were thicker. No macroscopic changes were found in the brain. On histological analysis, the coronary arteries were congest by lipids that almost occluded the arterial lumen. The same alteration were found in splenic and renal arterioles, and in the brains leptomeninges. Also in the brain, it was observed perivascular infiltration of mononuclear cells and focal gliosis. The thyroid was atrophied and fibrosed bilaterally. Therefore, those changes were compatible with atherosclerosis secondary to hypothyroidism...(AU)

Estudo retrospectivo de lesões em encéfalo de bovinos no Serviço de Patologia Veterinária da FMVZ-UNESP / Retrospective study of brain lesions in bovines at the Veterinary Pathology Service, FMVZ-UNESP

As encefalites são lesões inflamatórias de encéfalo causadas por agentes, priônicos,virais, bacterianos, parasitários e outros não infecciosos. Alguns dos agentes são responsáveis por zoonoses e impactam diretamente na saúde pública. Foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo em 703 necropsias de bovinos no Serviço de Patologia Veterinária, Hospital Veterinário UNESP,Botucatu, SP desde janeiro 2002 até dezembro 2012. Dos 703 bovinos examinados, 132 (18%) amostras foram enviadas para o diagnóstico de Raiva, resultando seis (4,5%) positivas. Destas 5eram fêmeas e de raças de corte. Das 132, 24 (20%) foram identificadas com diagnóstico definitivo doenças neurológicas. A análise histopatológica revelou congestão como lesão mais frequente, seguida de gliose (42%), edema (38%)e sateliose (36%).

Encephalitis is an inflammatory lesion of the brain caused by prion, viral, bacterial, parasitic and other non-infectious agents. Some of them are accountable for zoonosis affecting directly public health. A retrospective study was carried out on 703 bovine necropsies performed from January 2002 to December 2012 at the Veterinary Pathology Service at the Veterinary Hospital of UNESP, Botucatu. Of the total sample, 132 (18%) went through rabies test resulting 6 (4.5%) positive, 5 females and one breed cut. 24 (20%) of tested specimens showed evident neurologicaldiseases. The histopathological analysis revealed congestion as the most frequent lesion, followed by gliosis (42%), edema (38%) and sateliosis (36%).

Abortamentos ovinos por Toxoplasma gondii e Neospora caninum no estado de Santa Catarina: caracterização anatomopatológica, molecular e epidemiológica

A toxoplasmose é a doença infecciosa mais relatada como causa de abortamentos em ovinos, enquanto a neosporose ganha importância crescente como causadora de transtornos reprodutivos nesta espécie. O objetivo deste trabalho é avaliar suas ocorrências em ovinos de Santa Catarina através de análise anatomopatológica, molecular e epidemiológica das propriedades positivas. O trabalho traz, também, o primeiro relato de um caso de hidrocefalia e microcefalia em um feto ovino infectado por Neospora caninum. Foram necropsiados 49 fetos ovinos entre outubro de 2015 e outubro de 2020, com colheita de órgãos para histopatologia, cultivo microbiológico, e reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) para N. caninum e Toxoplasma gondii, utilizando como alvos, respectivamente, as sequências Nc5 e SAG2 em tecido encefálico. Houve aplicação de inquérito nas propriedades positivas para sua caracterização e avaliação das estratégias de controle. Foram diagnosticados dez casos de neosporose (35,71%) e oito de toxoplasmose (28,57%). Macroscopicamente, para os casos de neosporose, houve mumificação e maceração fetal, e, para toxoplasmose, maceração fetal, prognatismo e atresia vaginal. As lesões histopatológicas em casos de neosporose foram encefalite necrotizante linfoplasmocitária multifocal (10% - 1/10), gliose multifocal (20% - 2/10), miosite linfoplasmocitária multifocal (60% - 6/10), miocardite linfoplasmocitária multifocal (50% - 5/10) e placentite linfoplasmocitária multifocal (10% - 1/10). Para toxoplasmose, foram encefalite necrotizante linfoplasmocitária multifocal (50% - 4/8), gliose multifocal (12,5% - 1/8), miocardite linfoplasmocitária multifocal (37,5% - 3/8) e miosite linfoplasmocitária multifocal (25% - 2/8). Na PCR de encéfalo, houve detecção de N. caninum em cinco casos (50%) e de T. gondii em quatro (50%). As propriedades com diagnóstico de neosporose possuíam acesso livre de cães às instalações e pastagens dos animais, bem como os casos de toxoplasmose, que possuíam livre acesso de felinos. Havia descarte incorreto de restos fetais e placentários, permitindo a ingestão por cães ou felinos. Quanto às estratégias de controle, houve o descarte de ovinos que haviam abortado no ano anterior, e em algumas propriedades passou-se a descartar corretamente lóquios fetais. O segundo trabalho traz o relato de um caso de um feto ovino com hidrocefalia não-comunicante e microcefalia infectado por N. caninum. Macroscopicamente havia achatamento e estreitamento moderado do crânio. A porção dos hemisférios cerebrais media apenas 3,5x3,5x0,5cm, com achatamento difuso acentuado dos giros cerebrais. Ao corte, havia dilatação difusa dos ventrículos laterais. Histologicamente, observou-se encefalite necrotizante linfoplasmocitária focal no assoalho do ventrículo lateral, além de gliose multifocal discreta e miosite linfoplasmocitária multifocal discreta, com detecção de N. caninum através de PCR do líquido cefalorraquidiano. Como conclusões, demonstra-se a ocorrência de neosporose e toxoplasmose como causa de abortamento em ovinos no estado de Santa Catarina. A associação entre a análise histopatológica e molecular foi essencial para seus diagnósticos, permitindo diferenciá-las entre si, e os tecidos fetais com mais lesões histopatológicas foram músculo esquelético, coração e encéfalo. O trabalho sugere que N. caninum possui possível potencial teratogênico também na espécie ovina, assim como T. gondii.

Toxoplasmosis is the most reported infectious disease causing abortions in sheep, while neosporosis gains increasing importance as a cause of reproductive disorders in this species. The objective of this study is to evaluate its occurrences in ovine flocks in the state of Santa Catarina through anatomopathological, molecular, and epidemiological analysis of positive farms. The study also brings the first report of a case of hydrocephalus and microcephaly in a sheep fetus infected with Neospora caninum. Between October 2015 and October 2020, 49 ovine fetuses were necropsied, with organ samples collected for histopathology, microbiological culture, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for N. caninum and Toxoplasma gondii, using the Nc5 and SAG2 sequences, respectively, as targets in brain tissue. A survey was applied to the positive farms for their characterization and evaluation of control strategies. Ten cases of neosporosis (35.71%) and eight of toxoplasmosis (28.57%) were diagnosed. Macroscopically, for neosporosis cases there was fetal mummification and maceration, and for toxoplasmosis, fetal maceration, prognathism, and vaginal atresia. Histopathological lesions in cases of neosporosis were multifocal lymphoplasmacytic necrotizing encephalitis (10% - 1/10), multifocal gliosis (20% - 2/10), multifocal lymphoplasmacytic myositis (60% - 6/10), multifocal lymphoplasmacytic myocarditis (50% - 5/10) and multifocal lymphoplasmacytic placentitis (10% - 1/10). For toxoplasmosis, there was multifocal lymphoplasmacytic necrotizing encephalitis (50% - 4/8), multifocal gliosis (12.5% - 1/8), multifocal lymphoplasmacytic myocarditis (37.5% - 3/8), and multifocal lymphoplasmacytic myositis (25% - 2/8). In brain PCR, N. caninum was detected in five cases (50%) and T. gondii in four (50%). The farms diagnosed with neosporosis had free access for dogs to the ovine installations and pastures, as well as the cases of toxoplasmosis, which had free access for cats. There was incorrect disposal of fetal and placental remains, allowing ingestion by dogs or cats. As for the control strategies, there was the disposal of sheep that had aborted in the previous year, and in some properties, the fetal loci were correctly discarded. The second study reports a case of a sheep fetus with non-communicating hydrocephalus and microcephaly infected with N. caninum. Macroscopically, there was flattening and moderate narrowing of the skull. The portion of the cerebral hemispheres measured only 3.5x3.5x0.5cm, with marked diffuse flattening of the brain giry. There was diffuse dilatation of the lateral ventricles. Histologically, focal lymphoplasmacytic necrotizing encephalitis was observed on the floor of the lateral ventricle, in addition to discrete multifocal gliosis and discrete multifocal lymphoplasmacytic myositis, with detection of N. caninum by cerebrospinal fluid PCR. In conclusion, it is demonstrated the occurrence of neosporosis and toxoplasmosis as a cause of abortion in sheep in the state of Santa Catarina. The association between histopathological and molecular analysis was essential for their diagnoses, allowing them to be differentiated, and the fetal tissues with more histopathological lesions were skeletal muscle, heart, and brain. The work suggests that N. caninum has a possible teratogenic potential also in sheep, as well as T. gondii.