Meningoencephalitis secondary to rhinitis caused by Pythium insidiosum in sheep / Meningoencefalite secundária a rinite por Pythium insidiosum em um ovino

A case of meningoencephalitis caused by Pythium insidiosum secondary to rhinitis is reported in a three-year-old crossbred sheep from a herd of 15 animals, raised extensively and with free access to a weir. The animal presented mild dyspnea, blindness, mydriasis, opisthotonos, nystagmus, incoordination, decreased mandibular tone, and spasticity of the pelvic limbs. Macroscopic examination of the nasal cavity showed a blackish-red, irregular, friable mass that bilaterally compromised the nasal septum and the rostral portion of the nasal turbinates. In the brain, there was diffuse thickening of the leptomeninges of the cerebellum and ventral portion of the brainstem characterized by yellowish, granular material associated with vessel hyperemia. On the floor of the fourth ventricle, there was deposition of yellowish, irregular, slightly granular material that protruded towards the obex and displaced the cerebellum dorsolaterally. Microscopically, there were pyogranulomatous, eosinophilic, necrotizing rhinitis and fibrinosuppurative, eosinophilic, necrotizing meningoencephalitis, both associated with thrombosis, vasculitis, and intralesional hyphae. The hyphae were impregnated with silver and presented thin, parallel walls, rarely septate and branched. At immunohistochemistry, the hyphae were immunostained with polyclonal anti-P. insidiosum antibody in fragments of the cerebellum and nasal cavity. The findings showed that P. insidiosum rhinitis can secondarily affect the nervous system of sheep, causing nonspecific neurological clinical signs.

Relata-se um caso de meningoencefalite por Pythium insidiosum secundária a rinite em uma ovelha mestiça, três anos de idade, proveniente de um rebanho de 15 animais, criados extensivamente e com acesso livre a açude. O animal apresentava dispneia leve, cegueira, midríase, opistótono, nistagmo, incoordenação, diminuição do tônus mandibular e espasticidade dos membros pélvicos. O exame macroscópico da cavidade nasal evidenciou uma massa vermelho-escura, irregular, friável, que comprometia bilateralmente o septo nasal e a porção rostral dos cornetos nasais. No encéfalo, havia espessamento difuso das leptomeninges do cerebelo e porção ventral do tronco encefálico caracterizado por material granular amarelado associado à hiperemia dos vasos. No assoalho do quarto ventrículo, havia deposição de material amarelado, irregular, levemente granuloso, que se projetava em direção ao óbex e deslocava o cerebelo dorsolateralmente. Microscopicamente, havia rinite piogranulomatosa, eosinofílica, necrosante e meningoencefalite fibrinossupurativa, eosinofílica, necrosante, ambas associadas à trombose, vasculite e hifas intralesionais. Pela utilização da técnica de GMS as hifas foram impregnadas pela prata e apresentavam paredes finas e paralelas, raramente septadas e ramificadas. Na imuno-histoquímica, houve imunomarcação com o anticorpo policlonal anti-P. insidiosum em fragmentos do cerebelo e cavidade nasal. Os achados evidenciaram que rinite por P. insidiosum pode afetar secundariamente o sistema nervoso de ovinos, causando sinais clínicos neurológicos inespecíficos.

Neurological diseases of viral origin in cattle in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil: clinical and anatomopathological study / Enfermidades neurológicas de origem viral em bovinos no estado de Pernambuco, Brasil: estudo clínico e anatomopatológico

Studies related to neurological diseases are of great importance in Veterinary Medicine, particularly those involving production animals, such as cattle, due to their wide sanitary and public health significance. Therefore, the current study aims to describe the frequency of occurrence of the main clinical, laboratory, and anatomopathological findings of cattle diagnosed with neurological diseases of viral origin. Screening was performed in the general register of patients diagnosed through anatomopathological and/or complementary examination with illnesses of viral origin, admitted (live or dead) to the Clínica de Bovinos de Garanhuns-UFRPE from January 2009 to December 2019. The information recovered was entered in a database created in the computer program Microsoft Excel 2010®, distributed into clinical, laboratory, and anatomopathological data. The clinical findings on neurological diseases of viral etiology were very varied and non-specific, and the anatomopathological findings, together with laboratory methods, were of fundamental importance for the establishment of the diagnosis. The high frequency of rabies cases in this study demonstrates the importance of this disease for cattle rearing, as well as for Public Health. We emphasize the importance of including malignant catarrhal fever and herpes meningoencephalitis in the differential diagnosis of neurological diseases in the region, as well as the adoption of sanitary measures.

Os estudos relacionados as doenças neurológicas assumem grande importância na Medicina Veterinária, particularmente os que envolvem animais de produção como os bovinos, em virtude da grande importância sanitária e de saúde pública. Nesse contexto, este trabalho teve como objetivo descrever a frequência de ocorrência dos principais achados clínicos, laboratoriais e anatomopatológicos dos bovinos diagnosticados com doenças neurológicas de origem viral. Realizou-se a triagem no livro de registro geral dos pacientes com enfermidades que cursaram com sintomatologia neurológica e que foram diagnosticados através de exame anatomopatológico e/ou complementares com enfermidades de origem viral, os quais deram entrada (vivos ou mortos) na Clínica de Bovinos de Garanhuns-UFRPE no período de janeiro de 2009 a dezembro de 2019. As informações obtidas foram inseridas em um banco de dados elaborado no programa de computador Microsoft Excel 2010® distribuídas em dados clínicos, laboratoriais e anatomopatológicos. Os achados clínicos das enfermidades neurológicas de etiologia viral foram muito variados e inespecíficos, sendo os achados anatomopatológicos, aliados aos métodos laboratoriais, de importância fundamental para o estabelecimento do diagnóstico. A elevada frequência dos casos de raiva neste estudo demonstra a importância sanitária desta enfermidade para a pecuária bovina, como também para a saúde pública. Ressalta-se a importância da inclusão da febre catarral maligna e da meningoencefalite herpética no diagnóstico diferencial das doenças neurológicas na região, assim como a adoção de medidas sanitárias.

Meningoencephalitis of unknown origin in dogs

Background: Meningoencephalitis of unknown origin (MUO) is a critical cause of neurological disorders in dogs, mainly affecting small young individuals. Its symptomatology is varied and depends on the affected neuroanatomic region. The ante mortem diagnosis of this condition is uncertain, being achieved by discarding other conditions and often occurring definitively only by performing a necropsy. Thus, this study aims to report 2 cases of meningoencephalitis, one necrotizing and the other granulomatous in dogs. Cases: Case 1. A 3-year-old, Shih Tzu bitch with a body weight of 4 kg, showing proprioceptive ataxia, behavior of walking in circles, and evolving rapidly to non-ambulatory paresis, was treated. The neurological examination showed a posture of decerebrate stiffness and absence of withdrawal reflex and proprioception, suggesting brainstem injury. Laboratory tests showed mild neutrophilia and lymphopenia, while the rapid test for distemper was non-reactive. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis showed lymphocytic pleocytosis, and the PCR tests of the CSF, blood, and urine for the detection of infectious diseases were negative, as well as the culture. With no improvement in clinical condition and exams showing a progressive degenerative condition unresponsive to available treatments, the tutor opted for euthanasia of the patient. The subsequently requested necropsy confirmed the diagnosis of granulomatous meningoencephalitis. Case 2. This case refers to a 1-year-and-5-month-old male Maltese breed weighing 4.8 kg. This animal presented walking in circles behavior and loss of vision for a week, with signs worsening rapidly. In the neurological evaluation, the patient presented sensitivity in the middle ear, difficulty opening the mouth, hearing deficit in the right ear, blindness in the right eye, a proprioceptive deficit in the right anterior limb, and head pressing. Laboratory tests showed nonregenerative anemia and mild lymphopenia. After 1 day of hospitalization, the patient showed worsening clinical condition, with obstruction, absence of facial and auricular sensitivity, and nasal stimulus. In addition, onset of generalized seizures was observed; therefore, CSF was analyzed, which did not present significant alterations except for detecting reactive lymphocytes. The bacteriological culture of CSF resulted in no bacterial growth. In addition, the same neurological PCR panel performed for the previous patient was negative. After 5 days of intensive care, the patient presented a cardiorespiratory arrest and died. The subsequently requested necropsy confirmed the diagnosis of necrotizing meningoencephalitis. Discussion: The 2 reported cases confirm that MUO should be considered during the differential diagnoses of patients with neurological alterations. It is known that small-breed dogs are predisposed to these diseases. Laboratory tests and medical imaging are crucial for clinical guidance, helping to discard other neurological pathologies, especially those due to bacterial, fungal, and/or viral agents. However, definitive diagnosis of MUO can only be performed through necropsy and histopathological analysis. For the reported cases, CSF analysis, neurological PCR panel for detecting possible infectious agents, and bacterial culture were essential to rule out other possible causes of meningoencephalitis. Unfortunately, MUO includes progressive neurological disorders causing the patient's death.

Cerebral infarction and thrombotic meningoencephalitis in a calf due to candidiasis / Infarto cerebral e meningoencefalite trombótica em um bezerro devido a candidíase

We described a case of cerebral infarction and thrombotic meningoencephalitis due to candidiasis in a seven-month-old calf. The death occurred three days after the onset of apathy, fever, and the head's lateral deviation to the left. Macroscopic changes in the brain consisted of asymmetry of telencephalic hemispheres; the right hemisphere was enlarged, causing cerebellar herniation. A focally extensive red area was observed on the surface of the right occipital lobe. At cross-sections of the fixed brain, the lesions revealed to be extensive, red-brown, soft or cavitated areas affecting the white and grey matter from the level of the thalamus to the cerebellum and compressing subjacent structures. Histologically, there was acute, coalescent, multifocal necrosupurative meningoencephalitis, associated with vasculitis, congestion, thrombosis, edema, infarction, and intralesional fungal hyphae. The diagnosis of cerebral infarction and thrombotic meningoencephalitis due to candidiasis was made by the pathological changes, the staining and morphological characteristics of the agent, and immunohistochemistry. The cerebral infarction and thrombotic meningoencephalitis in cattle can result from vascular lesions due to infection by Candida sp.; although uncommon, this case demonstrated that candidiasis should be part of a list of differential diagnoses of severe brain injuries in cattle.

Descreve-se um caso de infarto cerebral e meningoencefalite trombótica devido a candidíase em um bezerro de sete meses de idade. A morte ocorreu três dias após o início de apatia, febre e desvio lateral da cabeça para a esquerda. As alterações macroscópicas no cérebro consistiam em assimetria dos hemisférios telencefálicos; o hemisfério direito estava aumentado, causando herniação cerebelar. Uma extensa área vermelha focal foi observada na superfície do lobo occipital direito. Nos cortes transversais do encéfalo fixado, as lesões revelaram áreas extensas, marrom-avermelhadas, moles ou cavitadas, afetando a substância branca e cinzenta desde o nível do tálamo até o cerebelo e comprimindo as estruturas subjacentes. Histologicamente, havia meningoencefalite necrossupurativa multifocal aguda, coalescente, associada a vasculite, congestão, trombose, edema, infarto e hifas fúngicas intralesionais. O diagnóstico de infarto cerebral e meningoencefalite trombótica devido a candidíase foi feito pelas alterações patológicas, coloração e características morfológicas do agente e imuno-histoquímica. O infarto cerebral e meningoencefalite trombótica em bovinos pode resultar de lesões vasculares devido à infecção por Candida sp.; embora incomum, este caso demonstra que a candidíase deve fazer parte de uma lista de diagnósticos diferenciais de lesões cerebrais graves em bovinos.

Listeria innocua and serotypes of Listeria monocytogenes isolated from clinical cases in small ruminants in the northwest of Uruguay / Listeria innocua e serotipos do Listeria monocytogenes isoladas dos casos clínicos em pequenos ruminantes no noroeste do Uruguai

Listeriosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria of the genus Listeria, the neurological form being more common in ruminants. There are many reports of listeriosis in small ruminants in the region that includes Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay. However, these diagnoses were mainly based on histological lesions in the central nervous system (CNS) without the isolation and characterization of the involved Listeria strains. The aim of this study was to report sheep and goats listeriosis cases from 2016 to 2021 in northwestern Uruguay. The diagnosis was made according to lesions observed at histopathology, plus Listeria isolation in CNS, identifying it at specie and serotype level. Nine animals (n=9) of three outbreaks and five sporadic cases of listeriosis were studied. Sheep was the species with more cases in relation to goats, and adults were the category most affected. Cases occurred in spring and less frequently in winter. All presented neurological clinical signs and the lesions in the CNS were consistent with suppurative meningoencephalitis and micro-abscesses in the brainstem. In eight of nine CNS samples, Listeria strains were isolated (seven L. monocytogenes and one L. innocua). All the L. monocytogenes isolates carried the inlA gene; serotyping showed that four strains belonged to serotype 1/2b, two isolates belonged to serotype 4b, and one to serotype 1/2a. Considering that listeriosis is a common disease in this region and the fact that isolates are scarcely recovered from small ruminants, it would be important to emphasize the need for Listeria isolation to better characterize the strains that affect animals. Not only to improve knowledge about the epidemiology of disease but also with the objective of developing serotype specific vaccines for animal use.

Listeriose uma doença bacteriana causada pelo gênero Listeria, a forma nervosa é a mais comum em ruminantes. No Brasil, Argentina e Uruguai há vários relatos de listeriose em pequenos ruminantes com diagnóstico baseado na histopatologia do sistema nervoso central (SNC), sem o isolamento e a caracterização do agente. O objetivo deste trabalho foi relatar uma série de casos diagnosticados em ovinos e caprinos no período 2016-2021 no noroeste do Uruguai. O diagnóstico foi feito basado nas lesões observadas na histopatologia, e caracterização das cepas de Listeria recuperadas do SNC quanto à espécie e sorotipo. Nove animais (n=9) do três surtos e cinco casos isolados de listeriose foram estudados. Os ovinos foram a espécie com o maior número de casos em relação aos caprinos, sendo os animais adultos a categoria mais afetada em ambas espécies. A doença ocorreu principalmente na primavera com alguns casos observados no inverno. Todos os casos apresentavam sinais clínicos nervosos e as lesões no SNC caracterizavam-se por meningoencefalite supurativa com presença de microabscessos no tronco encefálico. Em oito de nove amostras do SNC foram isoladas cepas de Listeria (sete L. monocytogenes e uma L. innocua). Todos os isolados de L. monocytogenes continham o gene inlA; a sorotipagem apresentou quatro cepas do serotipo 1/2b, duas cepas serotipo 4b e uma cepa 1/2a. Levando em consideração que nesta região a listeriose é uma doença frequente e que existem poucos isolados recuperados de casos clínicos em pequeño ruminantes, torna-se relevante o isolamento deste agente para caracterização das cepas que afetam os animais. Não só para melhorar o conhecimento sobre a epidemiologia da doença, mas também com o objetivo de desenvolver vacinas sorotipo-especificas para uso animal.

Pneumocephalus and suppurative meningoencephalitis in a dog after craniofacial trauma

Background: Pneumocephalus is characterized by the presence of gas in the intracranial compartment, and it can be developed by trauma, craniofacial surgery or spontaneously. Clinical signs start within days or months after the injury and vary according to the site of involvement. Computed tomography is the ideal diagnostic tool, however skull radiography can also be used. Treatment varies according to the severity of the case, and it can be conservative or associated with surgical intervention in the most severe cases. The purpose of this report is to describe the case of a dog that developed pneumocephalus and suppurative meningoencephalitis after head trauma caused by a bite from another dog. Case: A 2-month-old bitch, mixed breed, with 3.2 kg, was referred to the Veterinary Hospital because it had been bitten on the head by another dog. Shortly after the incident, the animal showed no clinical signs. However, 2 days later, the bitch became depressed and in persistent lateral decubitus. A lesion with a crust of approximately 0.5 cm was found close to the occipital region, with bone irregularity on palpation. The animal was in lateral decubitus with muscular hypotonia, bilateral mydriasis unresponsive to light and stupor. Radiographic images showed parietal fracture and pneumocephalus. Based on the findings of physical and laboratorial exams, diagnosis of suppurative meningoencephalitis and pneumocephalus secondary to craniofacial trauma was established. Empirical broad-spectrum antimicrobial therapy was started in addition to mannitol, corticoids, and analgesics. The animal was referred for surgical debridement by trepanation, when samples were collected to bacterial culture, which was negative. Despites the care, the animal died 14 h after the surgical procedure. Histopathological examination of the frontal cortex was performed, being the histological changes compatible with suppurative meningoencephalitis. Discussion: Dog bites on the head and neck are particularly severe, and can create intracranial bleeding, disfigurement of the face, damage to peripheral structures or cranial fractures. In this report, through radiographic images, it was found that the patient had an intracerebral aerocele, since there was presence of gas in the intracranial compartment. This alteration should always be considered in animals with neurological alterations and a history of craniofacial trauma. The main neurological changes observed in the reported case were unresponsive to mydriasis and altered mental status 2 days after the trauma, and this delay in the onset of clinical signs is frequently reported in cases of pneumocephalus. Neutrophilia and leukocytosis observed can be justified by the suppurative meningoencephalitis, confirmed by the histopathological exam. Antimicrobial therapy should be started as soon as possible, and the choice must be based on their capacity to cross the blood-brain barrier and the broad spectrum. The administration of antibiotics before collecting the material for bacterial culture may explain the negative result of this test, so that it is not possible to determine whether the intracranial gas observed on the radiograph may have developed from the trauma or because of gas-producing bacteria. Head trauma can induce suppurative meningoencephalitis and pneumocephalus even in the absence of perforating wounds at the time of the consultation. The neurological signs can start days after the trauma. Besides the clinical and surgical treatments, the prognosis of any bacterial infection of the central nervous system is poor.

Meningoencephalitis caused by Bovine alphaherpesvirus 5 in Pernambuco, Brazil / [Meningoencefalite causada pelo Bovine alphaherpesvirus 5 em Pernambuco, Brasil]

Objetivou-se descrever a ocorrência do Bovine alphaherpesvirus 5 (BoHV5) como causa de meningoencefalite não supurativa em bovinos do estado de Pernambuco, Brasil. Para tanto, 32 amostras de sistema nervoso embebidas em parafina foram obtidas de animais acometidos por doenças neurológicas atendidos na Clínica de Bovinos de Garanhuns da Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (CBG-UFRPE), entre 2012 e 2016. As amostras foram analisadas quanto à presença do gene da glicoproteína C do BoHV5 por reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR). Dois animais (6,25%) tiveram resultado positivo à PCR, e sua análise de sequenciamento indicou 100% de similaridade para o BoHV5. Os resultados histopatológicos desses dois animais revelaram lesões multifocais de meningoencefalite não supurativa associada à polioencefalomalácia, presença de corpúsculos de inclusão basofílicos, infiltração de células de Gitter e presença de manguitos perivasculares. A PCR se mostra uma importante ferramenta para diferenciação das infecções por BoHV5 de outras enfermidades neurológicas de bovinos, especialmente a raiva.(AU)

Otite média e interna com extensão para tronco encefálico em buldogue francês / Otitis media and internal with brainstem extension in a French bulldog

Background: Otitis is a frequent condition in dogs, with a multifactorial etiology covering primary causes, predisposing and perpetuating factors. It is characterized by an inflammatory process of structures that make up the auditory system, with prevalence data ranging from 15 to 20%, which can occur in any age group and without sex predisposition. According to the location, it can be classified as uni or bilateral, affecting the outer, middle and / or inner ear, the latter two being associated with neurological changes such as vestibulopathy, facial nerve paresis and Horner's syndrome. The morbidity and mortality of otitis media and internal may increase with delay in diagnosis, resulting in delay in the correct treatment, and the extension to brainstem is described in felines and considered rare in dogs. The present study aims to report an atypical case of otitis media and internal, with extension to the brain parenchyma in a brachycephalic dog. Case: A 3-year-old bitch French Bulldog was seen, weighing 12 kg, with a history of vomiting, apathy, nystagmus, ataxia and acute evolution hemiparesis. As a result of adoption, it was not known about the animal's morbid past. On special physical and clinical examination, depressed mental status, changes in postural reactions, nostril stenosis with unilateral mucopurulent nasal discharge, corneal ulcer, palpebral and labial ptosis, absence of eyelid reflex and spontaneous strabismus were observed, all of these findings observed on the left side of the face. No signs of otitis external to otoscopy were found. The clinical signs found characterize left facial nerve paresis and peripheral and central vestibulopathy. Otitis media / internal and meningoencephalitis were suspected. Hemogram, serum biochemistry (glucose, urea, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase, total proteins, albumin, globulin, alkaline phosphatase, gamma glutamyltransferase, phosphorus, total bilirubin, cholesterol and total calcium), urinalysis, rapid tests for erlichiosis, anaplasms , borreliosis, heartworm, distemper and leishmaniasis, CSF analysis, neurological panel performed by PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) that tested the animal for Bartonellosis, Lyme Disease (Borrelia burgdorferi), Blastomyces dermatitidis, Cryptococcus sp., Virus West Nile, Distemper, Toxoplasmosis, Neosporose and Coccidioides sp. using conjunctival swab, whole blood, urine and CSF samples. The samples were negative for all of these tests. As an image exam, brain magnetic resonance was performed. In the latter, otitis media and left internal was observed with extension of the lesion to the brain parenchyma. CSF analysis showed cytological changes compatible with a non-suppurative inflammatory process, mild pleocytosis with predominantly mononuclear leukocyte infiltrate. As a form of treatment, antibiotic therapy and total ablation of the auditory canal with lateral bulectomy were performed, showing good results with reduced clinical symptoms. Discussion: It is concluded that although the diagnosis of otitis media and internal with extension to brainstem is more common in cats, it should be included as a differential for central vestibular disorders in dogs, and that the diagnosis together with early and effective treatment are important, since that the evolution of the infection to the central nervous system represents a risk to the patient.

Salmonella Typhimurium - associated meningoencephalomyelitis in a foal / Meningoencefalomielite por Salmonella Typhimurium em potro

A 10-day old foal presented with a history of acute recumbency and generalized weakness, that progressed to seizure episodes and death. Post mortem examination revealed necrotizing and purulent omphalophlebitis and fibrinopurulent meningoencephalomyelitis. Salmonella Typhimurium was isolated from the central nervous system and determined to be the cause of the meningoencephalomyelitis. Due to the lack of evidence of gastrointestinal disease, the umbilical cord was considered the most likely portal of entry of the bacteria. The isolated S. Typhimurium was resistant to ampicillin and cephalotin, and partially resistant to enrofloxacin. These drugs are commonly used in the treatment of salmonellosis. This is the first report of S. Typhimurium affecting the brain and spinal cord of a foal. Salmonellosis should be considered a differential diagnosis in foals with neurologic signs, even in the absence of enterocolitis.(AU)

Um potro de 10 dias de idade foi admitido com histórico de decúbito e fraqueza generalizada aguda, com progressão para episódios de convulsão e morte. A avaliação post mortem demonstrou onfalite necropurulenta e meningoencefalomielite fibrinopurulenta. Salmonella Typhimurium foi isolada do material purulento coletado do sistema nervoso central. A ausência de diarreia e lesões entéricas associadas à presença de onfalite sugerem que o umbigo foi possivelmente a porta de entrada do agente. O isolado de S. Typhimurium apresentou resistência a cefalotina e ampicilina e resistência intermediária a enrofloxacina, drogas utilizadas para o tratamento de salmonelose. Este é o primeiro relato de S. Typhimurium levando a alterações encefálicas e medulares em potro. A salmonelose deve ser considerada, portanto, como diagnóstico diferencial em potros neonatos com alterações neurológicas, mesmo na ausência de enterocolite.(AU)

Meningoencephalitis due to Naegleria fowleri in cattle in southern Brazil / Meningoencefalite por Naegleria fowleri em um bovino no sul do Brasil

Naegleria fowleri is a free-living amoeba commonly found in the environment, mainly in fresh water and soil. This protozoon is occasionally involved in cases of fatal central nervous system disease in humans and other animal species. We describe here a case of meningoencephalitis due to Naegleria fowleri in cattle, in southern Brazil. A four-year-old Angus cow presented a clinical history of initial mild neurological signs that progressed to paddling movements, opisthotonus and lateral recumbency after five days. This animal had been kept in an irrigated rice stubble paddock. Grossly, the main lesions consisted of multiple areas of malacia in the right olfactory bulb, piriform lobes, hippocampus, frontal lobe cortex and fornix, along with severe thickening of the mesencephalon and rhombencephalon leptomeninges. Microscopically, severe multifocal necrosuppurative and hemorrhagic meningoencephalitis associated with a large quantity of amoebic trophozoites was present. The latter were confirmed to be Naegleria spp., through immunohistochemistry. Based on the strong congruence with the histopathological data of known cases reported in the literature, a probable association with Naegleria fowleri was established. To our knowledge, this is only the second report of Naegleria fowleri-associated meningoencephalitis in cattle in South America, and it is the first in southern Brazil.(AU)

Naegleria fowleri é uma ameba de vida livre, comumente encontrada no meio ambiente, principalmente em água doce e no solo. Este protozoário é ocasionalmente associado a casos fatais de doença do sistema nervoso central em seres humanos e espécies animais. No presente trabalho, um caso de meningoencefalite por Naegleria fowleri em um bovino na região sul do Brasil é descrito. Uma vaca Angus, de quatro anos de idade apresentou histórico clínico caracterizado inicialmente por sinais neurológicos leves que progrediram para movimentos de pedalagem, opistótono e decúbito lateral após cinco dias. Este animal era mantido em um piquete em resteva de arroz irrigado. Macroscopicamente, as principais lesões foram caracterizadas por múltiplas áreas de malacia no bulbo olfatório direito, lobos piriformes, hipocampo, córtex do lobo frontal e no fórnix, bem como acentuado espessamento das leptomeninges do mesencéfalo e rombencéfalo. Microscopicamente, meningoencefalite necrossupurativa e hemorrágica associada à grande número de trofozoítos amebianos foram observadas. Estes foram confirmados como Naegleria spp. através de imuno-histoquímica. Baseado na forte congruência apresentada entre os dados histopatológicos provenientes de casos conhecidos publicados na literatura, uma provável associação com Naegleria fowleri foi estabelecida. O presente trabalho trata-se do segundo relato de meningoencefalite associada à Naegleria fowleri em bovinos na América do Sul e o primeiro na região sul do Brasil.(AU)

Outbreak of bovine herpetic meningoencephalomyelitis in Southern Brazil

Background: Herpetic meningoencephalitis is an infectious contagious disease worldwide distributed, most often caused by bovine alphaherpesvirus type 5 (BoHV-5), although bovine alphaherpesvirus type 1 (BoHV-1) may occasionally be the causative agent. The disease is characterized by subacute to acute clinical onset, often affecting animals submitted to stressful situations. Clinical signs are mainly neurologic due to meningoencephalitis and cortical necrosis. The involvement of the spinal cord has also been reported, however in BoHV-1 associated disease only. The aim of this report is to describe an outbreak of bovine meningoencephalomyelitis associated to BoHV-5.Case: In August 2017, nine 1-year-old calves died in a beef cattle farm with a flock of approximately 400 bovines. The animals presented neurological clinical signs characterized by excessive salivation, nasal and ocular discharges, incoordination, apathy, head tremors, head pressing, wide-based stance, recumbency followed by convulsions and paddling. According to the owner and referring veterinarian, affected animals displayed severe clinical signs with rapid progression and often leading to death in up to seven days. Four of these calves were submitted for necropsy, and gross lesions were present in the brain, characterized by mild to moderate multifocal hemorrhagic and soft areas. On cut surface, extensive areas of dark brown discoloration and malacia were observed. Histologically, lesions were characterized by extensive areas of liquefactive necrosis in the cerebral cortex grey matter, associated with inflammatory infiltrates composed of neutrophils, lymphocytes, plasma cells and foamy macrophages, as well as multifocal to coalescing areas of hemorrhage and fibrin deposition. Intranuclear eosinophilic inclusion bodies were rarely observed in neurons and astrocytes. On leptomeninges, there was diffuse inflammatory infiltrates of lymphocytes and plasma cells.[...]

Outbreak of bovine herpetic meningoencephalomyelitis in Southern Brazil

Background: Herpetic meningoencephalitis is an infectious contagious disease worldwide distributed, most often caused by bovine alphaherpesvirus type 5 (BoHV-5), although bovine alphaherpesvirus type 1 (BoHV-1) may occasionally be the causative agent. The disease is characterized by subacute to acute clinical onset, often affecting animals submitted to stressful situations. Clinical signs are mainly neurologic due to meningoencephalitis and cortical necrosis. The involvement of the spinal cord has also been reported, however in BoHV-1 associated disease only. The aim of this report is to describe an outbreak of bovine meningoencephalomyelitis associated to BoHV-5.Case: In August 2017, nine 1-year-old calves died in a beef cattle farm with a flock of approximately 400 bovines. The animals presented neurological clinical signs characterized by excessive salivation, nasal and ocular discharges, incoordination, apathy, head tremors, head pressing, wide-based stance, recumbency followed by convulsions and paddling. According to the owner and referring veterinarian, affected animals displayed severe clinical signs with rapid progression and often leading to death in up to seven days. Four of these calves were submitted for necropsy, and gross lesions were present in the brain, characterized by mild to moderate multifocal hemorrhagic and soft areas. On cut surface, extensive areas of dark brown discoloration and malacia were observed. Histologically, lesions were characterized by extensive areas of liquefactive necrosis in the cerebral cortex grey matter, associated with inflammatory infiltrates composed of neutrophils, lymphocytes, plasma cells and foamy macrophages, as well as multifocal to coalescing areas of hemorrhage and fibrin deposition. Intranuclear eosinophilic inclusion bodies were rarely observed in neurons and astrocytes. On leptomeninges, there was diffuse inflammatory infiltrates of lymphocytes and plasma cells.[...](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)

Otite bacteriana por Klebsiella sp. como causa de encefalite em um gato / Bacterial otitis by Klebsiella sp. as a cause of encephalitis in a cat

Background: Meningoencephalitis in cats is usually related to infectious diseases but may also be caused by the extension of bacterial infections originated in the middle or inner ear. This paper seeks to report on a case of encephalitis due to an infection in the middle/inner ear in a 15-year-old cat. The diagnosis was made through brain CT scan and culture and antibiogram of material collected during a ventral osteotomy of the tympanic bulla and reported grave intravascular haemolysis associated to the treatment with antimicrobial imipenem with cilastatin sodium that has already been described in humans but not in small animals in the researched literature.Case: A 15-year-old, male, castrated, Siamese cat was brought to the Veterinary Clinical Hospital of the UFRGS. The animal presented pyrexia and hyporexia, tested negative in the immunoenzymatic test to detect antigens of the FeLV and antibodies of the FIV. The animal had a history of three episodes of tonic convulsion within two days and otitis that had gone untreated for 10 months prior to the consultation, with apparent spontaneous remission. After blood tests, serum biochemistry profile, abdominal ultrasound scan, chest x-rays and CT scan was requested. It revealed middle and inner otitis in the right ear. It was performed a ventral osteotomy of the right tympanic bulla. Material was collected for culture and antibiogram. It was confirmed that the animal had an inner otitis of bacterial origin by multi-resistant Klebsiella spp. that was sensitive only to antimicrobial imipenem with cilastatin sodium. Fifteen days into the treatment with this antibacterial combination, grave haemolysis was observed, probably associated to the use of the medicine. The patient died on the 17th day of the treatment which was not interrupted as per its owner’s decision. At necropsy, both in the tympanic bulla and liver were found mucous content and whitish lumps.[...]

Otite bacteriana por Klebsiella sp. como causa de encefalite em um gato / Bacterial otitis by Klebsiella sp. as a cause of encephalitis in a cat

Background: Meningoencephalitis in cats is usually related to infectious diseases but may also be caused by the extension of bacterial infections originated in the middle or inner ear. This paper seeks to report on a case of encephalitis due to an infection in the middle/inner ear in a 15-year-old cat. The diagnosis was made through brain CT scan and culture and antibiogram of material collected during a ventral osteotomy of the tympanic bulla and reported grave intravascular haemolysis associated to the treatment with antimicrobial imipenem with cilastatin sodium that has already been described in humans but not in small animals in the researched literature.Case: A 15-year-old, male, castrated, Siamese cat was brought to the Veterinary Clinical Hospital of the UFRGS. The animal presented pyrexia and hyporexia, tested negative in the immunoenzymatic test to detect antigens of the FeLV and antibodies of the FIV. The animal had a history of three episodes of tonic convulsion within two days and otitis that had gone untreated for 10 months prior to the consultation, with apparent spontaneous remission. After blood tests, serum biochemistry profile, abdominal ultrasound scan, chest x-rays and CT scan was requested. It revealed middle and inner otitis in the right ear. It was performed a ventral osteotomy of the right tympanic bulla. Material was collected for culture and antibiogram. It was confirmed that the animal had an inner otitis of bacterial origin by multi-resistant Klebsiella spp. that was sensitive only to antimicrobial imipenem with cilastatin sodium. Fifteen days into the treatment with this antibacterial combination, grave haemolysis was observed, probably associated to the use of the medicine. The patient died on the 17th day of the treatment which was not interrupted as per its owners decision. At necropsy, both in the tympanic bulla and liver were found mucous content and whitish lumps.[...](AU)

Saccharomyces boulardii modulates and improves the immune response to Bovine Herpesvirus type 5 Vaccine / Saccharomyces boulardii modula e melhora a resposta imune de vacina contra o Herpes bovino tipo 5

There have been significant efforts towards the development of more efficient vaccines for animal health. A strategy that may be used to improve vaccine efficacy is the use of probiotics to enhance the immune response of the host, leading to increased immunogenicity of antigen preparations. Bovine herpesvirus 5 (BoHV-5) is an example of an important animal pathogen for which vaccines have provided only limited protection. In this study, we examined the use of the probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii (Sb) as a potential adjuvant to improve vaccine efficiency. We found that the supplemented animals exhibited an enhanced systemic IgG antibody response toward a Th1 response in favor of IgG2a and increased mRNA expression levels of the cytokines IFN-y, IL-12, IL-17 and IL-10 in the spleen. These results suggest that Sb supplementation may provide a promising means for improving the efficiency of vaccines, particularly those that rely on a cell-mediated immune response.(AU)

Esforços significativos têm sido realizados para o desenvolvimento de vacinas mais eficientes em saúde animal. Uma estratégia que pode ser usado para melhorar a eficácia da vacina é o uso de probióticos para melhorar a resposta imune do hospedeiro, conduzindo ao aumento da imunogenicidade de preparações de antígenos. Herpesvírus bovino 5 (BoHV-5) é um exemplo de um importante patógeno animal para os quais vacinas têm fornecido apenas uma protecção limitada. Neste estudo, examinou-se o uso do probiótico Saccharomyces boulardii (Sb) como um adjuvante potencial para melhorar a eficiência da vacina. Verificou-se que os animais suplementados apresentaram uma produção de anticorpos IgG superior e com desvio para Th1 em favor de IgG2, além do aumento dos níveis de expressão de mRNA para as citocinas IFN-γ, IL-12, IL-17 e IL-10. Esses resultados sugerem que a suplementação de Sb pode fornecer um meio promissor para melhorar a eficiência de vacinas, particularmente aquelas que dependem de uma resposta imune mediada por células.(AU)

Saccharomyces boulardii modulates and improves the immune response to Bovine Herpesvirus type 5 Vaccine / Saccharomyces boulardii modula e melhora a resposta imune de vacina contra o Herpes bovino tipo 5

There have been significant efforts towards the development of more efficient vaccines for animal health. A strategy that may be used to improve vaccine efficacy is the use of probiotics to enhance the immune response of the host, leading to increased immunogenicity of antigen preparations. Bovine herpesvirus 5 (BoHV-5) is an example of an important animal pathogen for which vaccines have provided only limited protection. In this study, we examined the use of the probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii (Sb) as a potential adjuvant to improve vaccine efficiency. We found that the supplemented animals exhibited an enhanced systemic IgG antibody response toward a Th1 response in favor of IgG2a and increased mRNA expression levels of the cytokines IFN-y, IL-12, IL-17 and IL-10 in the spleen. These results suggest that Sb supplementation may provide a promising means for improving the efficiency of vaccines, particularly those that rely on a cell-mediated immune response.(AU)

Esforços significativos têm sido realizados para o desenvolvimento de vacinas mais eficientes em saúde animal. Uma estratégia que pode ser usado para melhorar a eficácia da vacina é o uso de probióticos para melhorar a resposta imune do hospedeiro, conduzindo ao aumento da imunogenicidade de preparações de antígenos. Herpesvírus bovino 5 (BoHV-5) é um exemplo de um importante patógeno animal para os quais vacinas têm fornecido apenas uma protecção limitada. Neste estudo, examinou-se o uso do probiótico Saccharomyces boulardii (Sb) como um adjuvante potencial para melhorar a eficiência da vacina. Verificou-se que os animais suplementados apresentaram uma produção de anticorpos IgG superior e com desvio para Th1 em favor de IgG2, além do aumento dos níveis de expressão de mRNA para as citocinas IFN-γ, IL-12, IL-17 e IL-10. Esses resultados sugerem que a suplementação de Sb pode fornecer um meio promissor para melhorar a eficiência de vacinas, particularmente aquelas que dependem de uma resposta imune mediada por células.(AU)

Retrospective study of Bovine herpesvirus 5 meningoencephalitis in cattle from São Paulo State, Brazil / Estudo retrospectivo de meningoencefalite por herpesvírus bovino-5 em bovinos do estado de São Paulo, Brasil

Meningoencephalitis caused by Bovine herpesvirus 5 (BoHV-5) is an important neurological disease that affects Brazilian cattle herds. The present study investigated the presence of BoHV-5 DNA in cattle diagnosed with meningoencephalitis at Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista from 1980 to 2009. The records obtained from the Large Animal Internal Medicine Service and the Animal Pathology Service were reviewed to identify clinical and epidemiological data from cattle with neurological signs. Excluding rabies cases, we found 115 cases of cattle with neurological signs that had been necropsied. Non-suppurative meningoencephalitis was diagnosed in 28 animals of the 115 initially selected based on histopathological examination of brain tissues. Of these 28 animals, 15 (54%) were positive for BoHV-5 DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) brain samples. PCR target was 159-bp fragment from the BoHV-5 glycoprotein C gene. The oldest case identified in the present study was from 1988. PCR was a good tool for the diagnosis of BoHV-5 DNA extracted from FFPE tissues, allowing retrospective studies of samples stored for more than 20 years.(AU)

A meningoencefalite por herpesvírus bovino-5 (BoHV-5) é uma doença neurológica importante no rebanho bovino brasileiro. Este estudo tem por objetivo verificar a presença do DNA de BoHV-5 em bovinos diagnosticados com meningoencefalite na Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia da Universidade Estadual Paulista, entre os anos de 1980 e 2009. Foram revisados os arquivos do Serviço de Clínica de Grandes Animais e da Patologia Animal em busca dos dados clínicos e epidemiológicos de bovinos com sinais neurológicos. Excluídos os casos de raiva, foram encontrados 115 casos de bovinos com sinais neurológicos, que foram necropsiados. O exame histopatológico realizado nos tecidos encefálicos desses animais constatou lesões de meningoencefalite não supurativa em 28 animais. Destes, em 15 (54%) casos foi identificada a presença do DNA de BoHV-5 por meio de PCR realizada em amostras de tecido encefálico fixadas em formalina e incluídas em parafina (FFPE). O alvo da PCR foi um fragmento de 159 pb do gene da glicoproteína C do BoHV-5. O caso mais antigo identificado neste estudo foi de 1988. A PCR apresentou-se como boa ferramenta para o diagnóstico do DNA de BoHV-5 extraído de tecidos FFPE, possibilitando estudos retrospectivos e diagnóstico de amostras com mais de 20 anos de armazenamento.(AU)

Suppurative infectious diseases of the central nervous system in domestic ruminants / Doenças infecciosas supurativas do sistema nervoso central de ruminantes domésticos

This study describes suppurative infectious diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) in domestic ruminants of southern Brazil. Reports from 3.274 cattle, 596 sheep and 391 goats were reviewed, of which 219 cattle, 21 sheep and 7 goats were diagnosed with central nervous system inflammatory diseases. Suppurative infectious diseases of the CNS corresponded to 54 cases (28 cattle, 19 sheep and 7 goats). The conditions observed consisted of listerial meningoencephalitis (8 sheep, 5 goats and 4 cattle), suppurative leptomeningitis and meningoencephalitis (14 cattle, 2 goats and 1 sheep), cerebral (6 cattle and 2 sheep), and spinal cord (7 sheep) abscesses, and basilar empyema (4 cattle and 1 sheep). Bacterial culture identified Listeria monocytogenes (9/54 cases), Escherichia coli (7/54 cases), Trueperella pyogenes (6/54 cases) and Proteus mirabilis (1/54 cases). All cases diagnosed as listeriosis through histopathology yielded positive immunostaining on immunohistochemistry, while 12/17 of the cases of suppurative leptomeningitis and meningoencephalitis presented positive immunostaining for Escherichia coli. Meningoencephalitis by L. monocytogenes was the main neurological disease in sheep and goats, followed by spinal cord abscesses in sheep. In cattle, leptomeningitis and suppurative meningoencephalitis was the most frequent neurological disease for the species, and E. coli was the main cause of these lesions. Basilar empyema, mainly diagnosed in cattle, is related to traumatic injuries, mainly in the nasal cavity, and the main etiologic agent was T. pyogenes.(AU)

Neste trabalho são descritas as doenças neurológicas infecciosas supurativas de ruminantes domésticos na Região Sul do Brasil. Foram avaliados laudos de 3.274 bovinos, 596 ovinos e 391 caprinos, dos quais 219 bovinos, 21 ovinos e sete caprinos foram diagnosticados como doenças inflamatórias no sistema nervoso central. As doenças neurológicas infecciosas supurativas corresponderam a 54 casos (28 bovinos, 19 ovinos e sete caprinos). As enfermidades observadas foram meningoencefalite por Listeria monocytogenes (oito ovinos, cinco caprinos e quatro bovinos), leptomeningite e meningoencefalite supurativa (14 bovinos, dois caprinos e um ovino), abscessos cerebrais (seis bovinos e dois ovinos) e medulares (sete ovinos); e empiema basilar (quatro bovinos e um ovino). Através do isolamento bacteriano foram identificados: L. monocytogenes (9/54 casos), Echerichia coli (7/54 casos), Trueperella pyogenes (6/54 casos) e Proteus mirabilis (1/54 casos). Todos os casos diagnosticados como listeriose por histologia foram positivos na imuno-histoquímica para L. monocytogenes, e 12/17 casos de leptomeningite e meningoencefalite supurativa foram positivos na imuno-histoquímica para E. coli. A meningoencefalite por L. monocytogenes representou a principal enfermidade neurológica em ovinos e caprinos, seguido dos abscessos medulares em ovinos. A leptomeningite e meningoencefalite supurativa foi a doença neurológica supurativa mais frequente em bovinos e o principal agente causador da lesão foi E. coli. O empiema basilar, frequentemente, diagnosticado em bovinos, foi relacionado com lesões traumáticas, principalmente, de cavidade nasal e o principal agente causador foi T. pyogenes.(AU)

Retrospective study of Bovine herpesvirus 5 meningoencephalitis in cattle from São Paulo State, Brazil / Estudo retrospectivo de meningoencefalite por herpesvírus bovino-5 em bovinos do estado de São Paulo, Brasil

Meningoencephalitis caused by Bovine herpesvirus 5 (BoHV-5) is an important neurological disease that affects Brazilian cattle herds. The present study investigated the presence of BoHV-5 DNA in cattle diagnosed with meningoencephalitis at Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista from 1980 to 2009. The records obtained from the Large Animal Internal Medicine Service and the Animal Pathology Service were reviewed to identify clinical and epidemiological data from cattle with neurological signs. Excluding rabies cases, we found 115 cases of cattle with neurological signs that had been necropsied. Non-suppurative meningoencephalitis was diagnosed in 28 animals of the 115 initially selected based on histopathological examination of brain tissues. Of these 28 animals, 15 (54%) were positive for BoHV-5 DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) brain samples. PCR target was 159-bp fragment from the BoHV-5 glycoprotein C gene. The oldest case identified in the present study was from 1988. PCR was a good tool for the diagnosis of BoHV-5 DNA extracted from FFPE tissues, allowing retrospective studies of samples stored for more than 20 years.(AU)

A meningoencefalite por herpesvírus bovino-5 (BoHV-5) é uma doença neurológica importante no rebanho bovino brasileiro. Este estudo tem por objetivo verificar a presença do DNA de BoHV-5 em bovinos diagnosticados com meningoencefalite na Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia da Universidade Estadual Paulista, entre os anos de 1980 e 2009. Foram revisados os arquivos do Serviço de Clínica de Grandes Animais e da Patologia Animal em busca dos dados clínicos e epidemiológicos de bovinos com sinais neurológicos. Excluídos os casos de raiva, foram encontrados 115 casos de bovinos com sinais neurológicos, que foram necropsiados. O exame histopatológico realizado nos tecidos encefálicos desses animais constatou lesões de meningoencefalite não supurativa em 28 animais. Destes, em 15 (54%) casos foi identificada a presença do DNA de BoHV-5 por meio de PCR realizada em amostras de tecido encefálico fixadas em formalina e incluídas em parafina (FFPE). O alvo da PCR foi um fragmento de 159 pb do gene da glicoproteína C do BoHV-5. O caso mais antigo identificado neste estudo foi de 1988. A PCR apresentou-se como boa ferramenta para o diagnóstico do DNA de BoHV-5 extraído de tecidos FFPE, possibilitando estudos retrospectivos e diagnóstico de amostras com mais de 20 anos de armazenamento.(AU)