Cytological, microbiological and molecular evaluation of synovial fluid in natural cases of arthritis in Indian goats

Abstract

In present study, cytological, microbiological and molecular evaluation of synovial fluid in arthritis cases of goats from organized and unorganized farms were carried out. A total of 360 goats were clinically examined for the presence of arthritis belonging to rural as well as organized herds and slaughter house. Synovial fluid was aseptically collected from 20 clinical arthritis cases (12 kids and 8 adults) under aseptic conditions. The samples were either pale yellow or amber opaque (55%; 11/20), blood tinged in colour (25%; 5/20) to normal, clear and colourless (20%; 4/20). The volume of synovial fluid increased significantly in arthritic cases with mean value of 5±2ml as against the normal 0.94± 0.26ml in carpal joints, 7–8 ml in stifle and hock joints as against the normal 1–1.5ml of these samples, 20% (4/20) were classified as limpid, 25% (5/20) semi turbid and 55% (11/20) turbid. Relative viscosity of synovial fluid decreased significantly in arthritis cases 45% (9/20) compared to normal 55% (11/20). Regarding the cytological analysis the mean global nucleated cell count was high ranging from 300±50 to 619±50 cells per μlas against the normal 48.02±24.47 cells/μl. The differential count revealed significant increase in neutrophils in 40% (8/20) cases and predominance of lymphocytes and monocytes in 60% (12/20) cases. Bacteriological examination of synovial fluid from infectious arthritis cases (57.14%; 8/14) revealed presence of Staphylococcus spp. including S. aureus as a cause of septicaemic arthritis in kids, which was confirmed by biochemical and molecular tests.