A possible case of caprine-associated malignant catarrhal fever in a domestic water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) in Switzerland

Martina Dettwiler,Monika Hilbe,Sonka Krüger,Ueli Braun,Monika Engels,Christian Gerspach,Anina Stahel

doi:10.1186/1746-6148-7-78

Abstract

BackgroundMalignant catarrhal fever (MCF) is a fatal herpesvirus infection, affecting various wild and domestic ruminants all over the world. Water buffaloes were reported to be particularly susceptible for the ovine herpesvirus-2 (OvHV-2) causing the sheep-associated form of MCF (SA-MCF). This report describes the first case of possibly caprine-associated malignant catarrhal fever symptoms in a domestic water buffalo in Switzerland.Case presentationThe buffalo cow presented with persistent fever, dyspnoea, nasal bleeding and haematuria. Despite symptomatic therapy, the buffalo died and was submitted to post mortem examination. Major findings were an abomasal ulceration, a mild haemorrhagic cystitis and multifocal haemorrhages on the epicardium and on serosal and mucosal surfaces. Eyes and oral cavity were not affected. Histopathology revealed a mild to moderate lymphohistiocytic vasculitis limited to the brain and the urinary bladder. Although these findings are typical for MCF, OvHV-2 DNA was not detected in peripheral blood lymphocytes or in paraffin-embedded brain, using an OvHV-2 specific real time PCR. With the aid of a panherpesvirus PCR, a caprine herpesvirus-2 (CpHV-2) sequence could be amplified from both samples.ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this is the first report of malignant catarrhal fever in the subfamily Bovinae, where the presence of CpHV-2 could be demonstrated. The etiological context has yet to be evaluated.

Highlights

Malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) is a fatal herpesvirus infection, affecting various wild and domestic ruminants all over the world
To our knowledge, this is the first report of malignant catarrhal fever in the subfamily Bovinae, where the presence of caprine herpesvirus-2 (CpHV-2) could be demonstrated
Typical signs of MCF include fever, nasal and ocular discharge, corneal opacity along with erosive lesions on the muzzle, within the oral cavity as well as in the lower gastrointestinal tract, the latter associated with melena and haematuria

Summary

Background

Malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) is a frequently fatal viral infection, affecting various wild and domestic ruminants and even, as recently reported, pigs [1]. Hippotragine herpesvirus-1 (HiHV-1) has been detected in asymptomatic roan antelopes (Hippotragus equinus) [27] This case report describes the clinical, laboratory and postmortem findings of a domestic water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) with MCF in Switzerland. On arrival at the clinic the animal was in a good body condition It showed nasal bleeding from the right nostril and a skin lesion on the left fore limb with prolonged bleeding. Prolonged clotting parameters, decreased fibrinogen and clotted thrombocytes were suggestive of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and, as underlying disease, an atypical postparturiant haemoglobinuria or malignant catarrhal fever due to a causative agent other than OvHV-2 was considered. The OvHV-2-specific real-time PCR was carried out with DNA extracted from paraffin embedded carotid rete and cerebrum (QIAamp DNA Mini Kit, Qiagen), which was negative. The sequence was identical to the corresponding portion of the CpHV-2 polymerase gene

Discussion

Conclusion