Necrotic Hepatitis Research Articles

Large Clostridial Toxins: A Brief Review and Insights into Antigen Design for Veterinary Vaccine Development.

The group of large clostridial toxins (LCTs) includes toxins A (TcdA) and B (TcdB) from Clostridioides difficile, hemorrhagic and lethal toxins from Paeniclostridium sordellii, alpha toxin from Clostridium novyi (TcnA), and cytotoxin from Clostridium perfringens. These toxins are associated with severe pathologies in livestock, including gas gangrene (P. sordellii and C. novyi), infectious necrotic hepatitis (C. novyi), avian necrotic enteritis (C. perfringens), and enterocolitis (C. difficile). Immunoprophylaxis is crucial for controlling these diseases, but traditional vaccines face production challenges, such as labor-intensive processes, and often exhibit low immunogenicity. This has led to increased interest in recombinant vaccines. While TcdA and TcdB are well-studied for human immunization, other LCTs remain poorly characterized and require further investigation. Therefore, this study emphasizes the importance of understanding lesser-explored toxins and proposes using immunoinformatics to identify their immunodominant regions. By mapping these regions using silico tools and considering their homology with TcdA and TcdB, the study aims to guide future research in veterinary vaccinology. It also explores alternatives to overcome the limitations of conventional and recombinant vaccines, offering guidelines for developing more effective vaccination strategies against severe infections in animals.

DIAGNOSIS OF INFECTIOUS NECROTIC HEPATITIS DISEASE

The article outlines laboratory techniques for diagnosing infectious necrotic hepatitis in sheep using pathological material. It also provides guidance on how to properly choose, package, and transmit the pathological material from deceased sheep to the laboratory. The process of isolating the causative agent of the disease and examining its cultural, morphological, and biological features. Additionally, a biological research method for studying this infection is also available

Uncommon bovine viral diarrhea virus subtype 1e associated with abortions in cattle in southern Brazil.

We characterized bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV)-related abortions in cattle and identified the species and subgenotypes in the state of Santa Catarina, southern Brazil. Our RT-PCR assay was positive for BVDV in 5 fetuses from different farms; however, 3 of the 5 fetuses were also PCR-positive for Neospora caninum. In the 5 BVDV-positive fetuses, gross lesions included fetal mummification (1), hepatomegaly (1), subcutaneous edema (1), and perirenal edema (1). Predominant histologic lesions included epicarditis and mild-to-moderate lymphoplasmacytic myocarditis (5), mild multifocal lymphoplasmacytic interlobular pneumonia (4), nephrosis associated with moderate multifocal interstitial nephritis (1), moderate multifocal lymphoplasmacytic necrotic hepatitis (1), and mild multifocal lymphoplasmacytic meningitis (1). The amplification products from the Pestivirus 5'UTR region of 4 of the 5 fetuses had 96.3-100% similarity between fetal strains and reference strains. The samples were distributed into 2 branches of the phylogenetic tree; strains UDESC:01, UDESC:02, and UDESC:05 clustered in the BVDV-1e branch, uncommon in the Americas, and strain UDESC:04 clustered in the BVDV-2b branch. The three 1e strains had 96.9-97.4% similarity.

Isolation and Genetic Characterization of Toxoplasma gondii from a Patas Monkey (Erythrocebus patas) in China.

Many cases of Toxoplasma gondii infection have been reported worldwide in non-human primates (NHPs), especially in captive New World monkeys. However, few studies on toxoplasmosis in Old World monkeys have been conducted. In this study, serological and molecular biological analyses were carried out to look for T. gondii antibodies and T. gondii infection in 13 NHPs from China. T. gondii infection was confirmed in 8 NHP cases. T. gondii antibodies were detected in 1/5 New World monkeys and in 4/7 Old World monkeys. T. gondii DNA was detected in 3/5 New World monkeys and 5/7 Old World monkeys. The one ring-tailed lemur was negative for both antibodies and DNA of T. gondii. The most common clinical manifestations of T. gondii infection were malaise, poor appetite, emaciation, and foamy nasal discharge. The most common histopathological findings were interstitial pneumonia, necrotic hepatitis, necrotizing myocarditis, lymphadenitis, and necrotic splenitis. One viable T. gondii strain was successfully isolated from the myocardium of a patas monkey (Erythrocebus patas) by bioassay in mice. T. gondii tachyzoites were obtained from cell cultures and were designated as TgMonkeyCHn2. The genotype of this strain belongs to ToxoDB genotype #9, and the allele of ROP18/ROP5 gene was 3/6. TgMonkeyCHn2 tachyzoites were avirulent in Swiss mice. To our knowledge, this is the first report of fatal toxoplasmosis in a patas monkey. T. gondii infection in patas monkeys may indicate environmental contamination by oocysts. The patas monkey is a new host record for T. gondii.

Study of Laboratory Diagnosis of Colibasilosis Infection In Local Hen In Surabaya

Background: On November 18, 2022, euthanasia and hen necropsy were conducted (protocol number A-164) in the veterinary pathology laboratory, Faculty Of Veterinary Medicine, Wijaya Kusuma University Surabaya. The hen belongs to a local farmer located at Sawahan, Surabaya. Based on the anamnesis, it is known that the hen was four months old and weighed 1.4 kg. The population consists of eight birds, and one of them was sick, never treated or vaccinated, in a cage made of bamboo, corn fodder, rice bran, and drinking water from tap water. Clinical symptoms show a decreased appetite for the last day, watery eyes, runny nose, lethargy, and diarrhea with feces green mixed with white colors. The initial diagnosis of the chicken was infected with Salmonella sp. with a differential diagnosis of Escherichia coli. Purpose: To diagnose bacterial disease in local chickens with a pathological examination, parasitological examination, microbiological isolation, and clinical pathology for hematology. Result: The results of the anatomic pathology examination showed that the chickens had hemorrhagic tracheitis, hemorrhagic necrotic pneumonia, hemorrhagic necrotic enteritis, hemorrhagic necrotic hepatitis, and hemorrhage in the proventriculus. Parasite identification was found in Raillietina sp. and Ornithonyssus sylviarum. Isolation of bacteria was found in Escherichia coli from the duodenum organ. The chickens had hypoproteinemia, poikilocytosis teardrop and rouleaux, leukocytosis with heterophilia, and monocytosis. Conclusion: Based on the examination associated with the results of anamnesis and examination of clinical symptoms, the chickens were diagnosed with Escherichia coli infection together with Raillietina sp. and Ornithonyssus sylviarum infestations.

Tilapia lake virus (TiLV) causes severe anaemia and systemic disease in tilapia.

Tilapia lake virus disease (TiLVD) is an emerging disease in tilapia that is associated with mass mortality affecting global tilapia aquaculture. In this study, red hybrid tilapias (Oreochromis spp.) were experimentally infected by intracoelomic injection with Tilapia lake virus (TiLV) to gain a better understanding of the clinicopathological changes during infection. Pale bodies and gill were observed in infected fish after 7 days of post-challenge (dpc) associated with severe anaemia. Further haematological analysis in TiLV-infected fish revealed decreased levels of haemoglobin and haematocrit at 3 dpc. Common pathological findings included pale and friable liver, pale intestine with catarrhal content, and dark and shrunken spleen in TiLV-infected fish at 7 dpc and 14 dpc. Histologically, reduced numbers of red blood cells and accumulation of melano-macrophage centre in the spleen were found in infected fish at 3 dpc, and severe lesions were more commonly observed at 7 and 14 dpc. Lymphocyte infiltration, syncytial cell formation and multifocal necrotic hepatitis were the prominent pathological findings in the liver of infected fish. The severity of pathological changes was associated with TiLV-infection with higher viral loads and with the expression pattern of pro-inflammatory cytokines and antiviral genes, including interferon regulatory factor 1 (irf1), interleukin (il-8), radical s-adenosyl methionine domain containing 2 (rsad2) and mx. Our study provides a comprehensive analysis of the haematological profile and pathological changes in tilapia during TiLV infection. Overall, lesions present in various organs, together with alteration of host immune response in TiLV-infected fish, indicate the systemic infection of this virus. The knowledge gained from this study improves our understanding of how TiLV causes pathological and haematological changes in tilapia.

Necrotizing hepatitis caused by Clostridium novyi type B in a dog with no predisposing liver lesions: a case report

BackgroundInfectious necrotic hepatitis (INH) is typically a disease of ruminants caused by Clostridium novyi type B. Growth of the causative agent is supported by development of an anaerobic environment within the liver. In dogs, C. novyi is rare and has only been previously reported as a post-mortem diagnosis. In one case, infection was secondary to metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma and the other was presumptively diagnosed on histopathology of a hepatic lesion in a dog initially presented for acute collapse.Case presentationAn 8-year-old spayed, female mixed breed dog was presented for acute onset of hyporexia and vomiting. Serum biochemistry revealed elevated hepatocellular injury and cholestatic liver enzymes. Ultrasound revealed peritoneal fluid accumulation and multiple hepatic masses. Cytologic examination of liver aspirates and peritoneal fluid revealed frequent 4 × 1 μm bacilli with a terminal endospore. Anaerobic bacterial growth isolated from the fluid sample could not be identified using typical laboratory identification techniques. Long-read, whole genome sequencing was performed, and the organism was identified as Clostridium novyi type B. Antimicrobial and hepatic support treatment were initiated. The patient re-presented 27 days later, and the follow up liver aspirate with cytology revealed no appreciable bacteria and anaerobic culture was negative. The patient was presented four months later and a large hepatic mass and peritoneal fluid were again identified on abdominal ultrasound. Cytologic examination of the peritoneal fluid revealed bacilli similar to those identified on initial presentation. The patient was euthanized. The most significant finding on necropsy was necrotizing hepatitis with intralesional endospore-forming bacilli compatible with recurrence of Clostridium novyi type B. There was no identifiable cause of an anaerobic insult to the liver.ConclusionsThis case demonstrates the diagnostic utility of using cytology as part of the initial diagnostic work up for infectious hepatitis. The cytologic findings coupled with whole genome sequencing and anaerobic culture were crucial for the identification and classification of the organism identified on fine needle aspirate. Clostridium novyi type B should be considered when bacilli organisms containing a terminal endospore are identified on liver aspirates collected from canine patients.

LDLR, LRP1, and Megalin redundantly participate in the uptake of Clostridium novyi alpha-toxin

Clostridium novyi alpha-toxin (Tcnα) is a potent exotoxin that induces severe symptoms including gas gangrene, myositis, necrotic hepatitis, and sepsis. Tcnα binds to sulfated glycosaminoglycans (sGAG) for cell-surface attachment and utilizes low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) for rapid entry. However, it was also shown that Tcnα may use alternative entry receptors other than LDLR. Here, we define that LRP1 and Megalin can also facilitate the cellular entry of Tcnα by employing reconstitutive LDLR family proteins. LDLR, LRP1, and Megalin recognize Tcnα via their ligand-binding domains (also known as LDL receptor type A repeats). Notably, LDLR and LRP1 have contrasting expression levels in many different cells, thus the dominant entry receptor for Tcnα could be cell-type dependent. These findings together increase our knowledge of the Tcnα actions and further help to understand the pathogenesis of C. novyi infection-associated diseases.

Pathology and Molecular Epidemiology of Fowl Adenovirus Serotype 4 Outbreaks in Broiler Chicken in Abu Dhabi Emirate, UAE.

Background: Fowl adenovirus serotype 4 (FAdV-4), causing inclusion body hepatitis (IBH) and hydropericardium hepatitis syndrome (HPS), is responsible for the significant economic losses in poultry industry worldwide. This study describes FAdV disease and molecular characteristics of the virus as the first report in UAE. Methodology: Clinical, necropsy, histopathology, qPCR and phylogenetic analysis of hexon gene were used to diagnose and characterize the virus. Results: The age of the infected broiler chicken was 2–4 weeks. The morbidity and mortality rates ranged between 50 and 100% and 44 and 100%, respectively. Clinically, sudden onset, diarrhea, anemia and general weakness were recorded. At necropsy, acute necrotic hepatitis, with swollen, yellowish discoloration, enlarged and friable liver; hydropericarditis with hydropericardium effusions; and enlarged mottled spleen were observed. Histopathology examination revealed degeneration and necrosis, lymphocytic infiltration and inclusion bodies. The qPCR analysis detected the virus in all samples tested. Hexon gene sequence analysis identified FAdV serotype 4, species C as the major cause of FAdV infections in UAE in 2020, and this strain was closely related to FAdV-4 circulating in Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Nepal and China. Conclusion: The serotype 4, species C, was the common FAdV strain causing IBH and HPS episodes in the region. This result may help design effective vaccination programs that rely on field serotypes.

Clostridial Diseases of Horses: A Review.

The clostridial diseases of horses can be divided into three major groups: enteric/enterotoxic, histotoxic, and neurotoxic. The main enteric/enterotoxic diseases include those produced by Clostridium perfringens type C and Clostridioides difficile, both of which are characterized by enterocolitis. The main histotoxic diseases are gas gangrene, Tyzzer disease, and infectious necrotic hepatitis. Gas gangrene is produced by one or more of the following microorganisms: C. perfringens type A, Clostridium septicum, Paeniclostridium sordellii, and Clostridium novyi type A, and it is characterized by necrotizing cellulitis and/or myositis. Tyzzer disease is produced by Clostridium piliforme and is mainly characterized by multifocal necrotizing hepatitis. Infectious necrotic hepatitis is produced by Clostridium novyi type B and is characterized by focal necrotizing hepatitis. The main neurotoxic clostridial diseases are tetanus and botulism, which are produced by Clostridium tetani and Clostridium botulinum, respectively. Tetanus is characterized by spastic paralysis and botulism by flaccid paralysis. Neither disease present with specific gross or microscopic lesions. The pathogenesis of clostridial diseases involves the production of toxins. Confirming a diagnosis of some of the clostridial diseases of horses is sometimes difficult, mainly because some agents can be present in tissues of normal animals. This paper reviews the main clostridial diseases of horses.

Pathology of offbeat lesions in an outbreak of systemic histomoniasis in desi chickens

An outbreak of multisystemic histomoniasis in six weeks-old desi chickens from a rural based poultry farm holding 500 birds for commercial purpose associated with unusual visceral lesions and high mortality is reported. Birds were reported to have clinical signs of depression, loss of production, yellowish diarrhoea and high mortality. Cumulative mortality of the affected flock was reported to be 60% within a period of 7-10 days. Postmortem examination of the dead birds revealed enlargement of liver covered with pale whitish viscous membranous layer. Hepatic parenchyma showed multifocal, pale whitish to yellow, circular, press button like necrotic lesions varying from 0.3 to 0.5 cm diameter. Few of these lesions were coalescing and appeared as lesions of lymphoma. Spleen was slightly enlarged and congested. Bursa of Fabricius was distended and contained well organised, creamy white, firm mass exhibiting casting of bursal plicae. Kidney revealed multifocal greyish white foci (3-5 mm). Caecum showed moderate longitudinal corrugation of the mucosa. Microscopically, liver showed multifocal necrotic hepatitis with numerous scattered degenerative forms of histomonads surrounded by clear halo, having bull’s eye appearance within the necrotic areas. Mature trophozoites of invasive form of histomonads were also found in the hepatic sinusoids. Bursa of Fabricius revealed severe subacute to chronic cloacal bursitis associated with presence of histomonads within the follicle. Bursal follicles revealed severe lymphoid depletion and cystic degeneration. Multifocal myocarditis, pancreatitis, pneumonia and neuronal degeneration with satellitosis were the other associated lesions observed. Periodic-acid Schiff stained tissue sections revealed intense purple magenta-coloured degenerative forms of histomonads within the necrotic areas of liver, bursa of Fabricius and caecum. This report records the outbreak of naturally occurring multisystemic histomoniasis in layer-type desi chicken associated with unusual lesions including cloacal bursitis, myocarditis, pancreatitis and pneumonia. The present study also validates the earlier postulates of immunosuppression induced primarily by histomoniasis causing severe lymphoid depletion in bursa of Fabricius.

Prevalence, intensity, and impacts of non-cutaneous lesions of lumpy skin disease among some infected cattle flocks in Nile Delta governorates, Egypt.

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is one of the major viral diseases still causing great economic losses among breeding flocks of Egypt. This study was designed to focus light on non-cutaneous lesions (prevalence, intensity, and impacts) among necropsied LSD infected cattle. We selected some dairy and beef flocks (Frisian breed) located in 3 governorates (Sharkia, Dakahlia, and Kaloubia) in Nile delta, Egypt, in the period from January 2019 to January 2020 for our survey study. The case history of farms declared no previous vaccination of examined farms. The clinical signs, morbidity, and mortality rates were recorded. Average morbidity and mortality percentage were 22.28% and 6.59%, respectively. PCR for specimens from liver, kidneys, heart, lungs, testis, udder, trachea, and lymph node indicates presence of amplicon capripoxvirus gene product at molecular weight size 192 bp. Postmortem lesions of necropsied and emergency slaughtered were recorded. The main detectable histopathology lesions among the infected animals were orchitis (75%), mastitis in immature and lactating udder (66.66%), and necrotic hepatitis (77.77%), disseminated vasculitis (61.11), glomerulonephritis (55.55), myocardial degeneration (50%), and serous atrophy of coronary fats (38.88%), lymphadenitis (88.88%), necrosis and depleted lymphoid tissue of spleen (38.88%), necrotic myositis (77.77%), tracheitis (16.66%), and pneumonia (interstitial bronchopneumonia) (44.44%) besides intra-cytoplasmic inclusions bodies in skin (33.33%). It could be concluded that higher mortalities of LSD may be due to systemic infection of infected animals which had great impact on economic losses among breeding flocks.

Clostridium piliforme infection (Tyzzer disease) in horses: retrospective study of 25 cases and literature review.

Tyzzer disease (TD) is caused by Clostridium piliforme, a gram-negative and obligate intracellular bacterium. The disease occurs in multiple species. A triad of lesions, namely colitis, hepatitis, and myocarditis, is described in cases of TD in some species, such as rats and mice. We carried out a retrospective analysis of 25 equine cases with a diagnosis of TD; 24 of 25 cases occurred in foals <45 d old; the remaining foal was 90 d old. There were 12 males and 12 females; no sex information was available for one foal. The affected breeds were Quarter Horse, Thoroughbred, Arabian, Paint, and Hanoverian. Most of the cases (19 of 25) occurred in the spring. There were 9 cases of sudden death; the remaining animals had diarrhea, fever, distended abdomen, depression, weakness, non-responsiveness, and/or recumbency. Gross findings included icterus, hepatomegaly with acinar pattern, serosal hemorrhages, pulmonary edema, and/or fluid content in small and large intestine. Microscopically, all foals had severe, multifocal, necrotizing hepatitis. Necrotizing lymphohistiocytic colitis was observed in 10 of 25 foals, and multifocal necrotizing myocarditis was found in 8 of 25. Gram-negative, Steiner-positive, intracytoplasmic filamentous bacteria were observed in hepatocytes, enterocytes, and myocardiocytes, respectively. PCR detected C. piliforme DNA in the liver (24 of 24), colon (20 of 24), and heart (5 of 25). Our results indicate that necrotic hepatitis is the hallmark of TD in horses; the so-called triad of lesions is not a consistent characteristic of the disease in this species.

Histological and molecular characterization of Edwardsiella tarda infection in Siamese crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis) hatchlings

Edwardsiellosis is an important bacterial disease of fish, birds, reptiles and mammals. This study was conducted to describe the histopathology and etiology of the disease caused by Edwardsiella tarda in farmed hatchling Siamese crocodiles (Crocodylus siamensis) in Hainan, China. The main macroscopic lesions were congestion and hemorrhage of various internal organs, pericardial fluid and subcutaneous edema. Main histopathological lesions included necrotic hepatitis, hemorrhagic necrotizing nephritis, fibrinous pneumonia, and necrotic splenitis. E. tarda isolates were isolated from blood and various internal organs. Genotyping showed that isolates were positive for eight of ten investigated virulence genes (80%) and eleven of twenty antibiotic-resistance genes (55%), which were largely correlated phenotypically, except for erythromycin resistance. Moreover, tetracycline resistance genes were detected after two years of oxytetracycline use on the farm, but only tetA-harboring strains yielded high resistance. All isolates formed biofilm that increased under low concentration tetracycline stress. Zebrafish experimental infections revealed that all isolates were virulent, and that the most virulent isolate formed the highest amount of biofilm, rather than harboring the highest number of virulence and resistance genes. This study is the first to demonstrate the histopathology of edwardsiellosis among hatchling Siamese crocodiles, and characterize virulence factors and tetracycline resistance in E. tarda isolates from a farm that employed long-term prophylactic use of oxytetracycline. Biofilm was suggested as a key virulent factor in the pathogenesis of E. tarda.

Histomoniasis in Peacock (Pavo cristatus) in the Potiguar Semiarid

Background: Histomoniasis is a disease caused by Histomonas meleagridis, a flagellated protozoan that can cause severe necrotizing hepatitis and typhlitis in several bird species. The disease has a cosmopolitan distribution. In experimental infection, peacocks (Pavo spp.) showed susceptibility to histomoniasis, however there are few reports on natural histomoniasis in this species. In northeastern Brazil, reports about its occurrence in avian species are scarce and nonexistent in peacocks. Therefore, this report aims to describe the epidemiological and clinicopathological aspects of a histomoniasis case in a peacock (Pavo cristatus) in the Brazilian semiarid region.Case: A 3-month-old male peacock with a history of apathy and anorexia was attended in the Veterinary Hospital of the Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido (UFERSA), Mossoró, RN, Brazil. The animal was raised extensively in a farm without basic sanitary measures, also with a history of living with animals of different species. After clinical examination, in which intense apathy and weight loss were confirmed, the bird was submitted to emergency therapeutic measures, however there was no clinical improvement and the bird died. At necropsy, intense diffuse bilateral necrotizing typhlitis and multifocal to coalescent necrotizing hepatitis were observed. Fragments of the organs were collected in 10% formaldehyde buffered with phosphate-saline buffer for histopathological analysis and cecal content were collected for microbiological analysis. Histopathology of the cecum revealed transmural necrotizing typhlitis associated with myriads of trophozoites morphologically compatible with Histomonas meleagridis. The same microorganisms observed in association with necrotizing hepatitis lesions, which allowed the diagnosis of histomoniasis. Also, the bacterium Pantoea agglomerans was isolated from the cecal content.Discussion: The macroscopic and microscopic findings allowed the diagnosis and the first recording of histomoniasis in peacock in the semi-arid region of Rio Grande do Norte. The bird was raised in an extensive breeding and without sanitary management, such as the use of anthelmintics, which may favor infection by the nematode Heterakis gallinarum, that’ transmits the protozoan Histomonas meleagridis. The contamination, which begins by the orofecal route, happens through the ingestion of eggs of the nematode contaminated with H. meleagridis that pass through the gastrointestinal tract, reaching the ceca and causing intense lesions in the organ, such as the bilateral transmural typhlitis that we observed in this case. From ceca, the protozoan has access to the bloodstream and reaches the liver, where it causes necrotic hepatitis, also present in the peacock. Both cecal and hepatic lesions were associated with myriads of microorganisms morphologically compatible with H. meleagridis, which allowed the diagnosis of the disease. The challenge in diagnosing this disease occurs mainly due to nonspecific clinical signs, such as apathy and weight loss, the only signs reported by the breeder and observed in this peacock. Confirmation of the occurrence of histomoniasis in any region is important to establish the disease among the differential diagnoses for the species, as in this case. Since this is the first report of peacock histomoniasis in the semi-arid region of Rio Grande do Norte, it is evident the need to consider the disease among possible diagnoses in cases of nonspecific symptoms and it also demonstrates the need to implement control and prophylaxis measures in peacock breeding aiming to avoid losses of birds and economic losses to the breeders and to promote quality of life to the animals.

A Case of Parasitic Fibrino-necrotic Enteritis in A Rottweiler Dog

Background: A Rottweiler male dog carcass (7 years) with clinical history of inappetence, pyrexia, diarrhoea and nasal discharge was received in the post mortem hall of the Department of Veterinary Pathology, LUVAS, Hisar, Haryana. The current work was aimed to study the clinical history, pathological and parasitological examination in the Rottweiler male dog carcass. Methods: After collection of the samples, laboratory work was undertaken in the laboratories of Department of Veterinary Pathology and Veterinary Parasitology, LUVAS, Hisar, Haryana (India) in the year 2018-2019 regarding the examination of the clinical history, pathological and parasitological investigation.Result: Necropsy revealed anaemic mucous membranes; pale conjunctiva; hydrothorax; hydroperitoneum; lungs and heart were congested, blackish discolouration of liver; fully distended gall bladder; congested along with thickened intestinal mucosa; intestinal lumen contained white nematode as well as long creamy cestodes identified as Toxocara canis and Dipylidium caninum, respectively. Histopathologically, intestine revealed presence of severe fibrino-necrotic enteritis characterized by infiltration of mono nuclear cells, degeneration and desquamation of microvilli, congested blood vessels and haemorrhages. Spleen revealed acute splenitis with presence of severe hemorrhages along with neutrophilic infiltration. Liver revealed areas of necrotic hepatitis. The case was confirmed as parasitic fibino-necrotic enteritis due to mixed infection by Toxocara canis and Dipylidium caninum.

A Review on Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease with a Special Reference to Egyptian Situation

Rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD) is considered as one of the most important viral diseases that affects and threatens rabbit’s flocks. This disease has affected rabbits since mid-1980. Two epidemics of RHD had been discovered; the first was in mid-1980 and known as classical RHD virus (RHDV), while the second was in 2011 and described as variant virus (RHDVb/RHDV2). Domestic and wild rabbits are susceptible to RHD. All ages can be affected, but adults are more susceptible to young kitten. RHD is presented in three forms; per-acute, acute and subacute or chronic form. Mortality rate is usually high especially in per-acute and acute stages and it is associated with disseminated intravascular coagulopathy and necrotic hepatitis. The main lesions have been observed in the liver, lungs and spleen. Diagnosis of RHD is based on the clinical picture and detection of RHDV or specific antibodies. The prevention and control strategies depend mainly on using of preventive inactivated vaccine together with adoptionof hygienic measures. However, there is no specific treatment of RHDV infection. So, this review article puts a spot light on RHD regarding the epidemiology, the clinical and laboratory diagnosis as well as the prevention and control strategies with a special reference to Egyptian situation.

Hemolysis transforms liver macrophages into antiinflammatory erythrophagocytes.

During hemolysis, macrophages in the liver phagocytose damaged erythrocytes to prevent the toxic effects of cell-free hemoglobin and heme. It remains unclear how this homeostatic process modulates phagocyte functions in inflammatory diseases. Using a genetic mouse model of spherocytosis and single-cell RNA sequencing, we found that erythrophagocytosis skewed liver macrophages into an antiinflammatory phenotype that we defined as MarcohiHmoxhiMHC class IIlo erythrophagocytes. This phenotype transformation profoundly mitigated disease expression in a model of an anti-CD40-induced hyperinflammatory syndrome with necrotic hepatitis and in a nonalcoholic steatohepatitis model, representing 2 macrophage-driven sterile inflammatory diseases. We reproduced the antiinflammatory erythrophagocyte transformation in vitro by heme exposure of mouse and human macrophages, yielding a distinctive transcriptional signature that segregated heme-polarized from M1- and M2-polarized cells. Mapping transposase-accessible chromatin in single cells by sequencing defined the transcription factor NFE2L2/NRF2 as a critical driver of erythrophagocytes, and Nfe2l2/Nrf2 deficiency restored heme-suppressed inflammation. Our findings point to a pathway that regulates macrophage functions to link erythrocyte homeostasis with innate immunity.

Kars İlinde Gözlenen Atık Vakalarında Kampilobakteriozisin Patolojik, İmmunohistokimyasal, PCR ve Mikrobiyolojik Yöntemler ile Araştırılması

Campylobacteriosis is an infectious, zoonotic infection characterized by offspring and infertility, leading to economic losses in cattle and sheep breeding. In this study, we aimed to investigate the incidence of cattle and sheep abortion in Kars region in terms of Campylobacteriosis and evaluate the results by PCR, immunohistochemical, histopathological and microbiological methods. In this context, liver and lung tissue examples and abomasum contents of 444 abort cases brought from Kars Center and districts to Kafkas University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Pathology Department between 2013-2019 years were examined. Tissue examples from animals were fixed in % 10 buffered formaldehyde solutions. After routine procedures, paraffin blocks were prepared and sections with a thickness of 5 μm were taken for Hematoxylin &amp;amp; Eosin staining and 4 μm were taken for immunohistochemical staining . Sections were examined under light microscope to determine histopathologic changes. Organs belonging to aborted fetuses and abomasum contents were inoculated into the Preston Campylobacter Enrichment Broth containing microbial study selective supplement, and then enriched by pre-enrichment and then passed through Preston Campylobacter Selective Agar. Cultures in which the culture was incubated after incubation were examined for colony morphology and microscopic appearance and Campylobacter spp. suspicious colonies were evaluated by biochemical tests. As a result of histopathologic studies, characteristically, 7 of 17 abortion cases with multifocal necrotic hepatitis pattern and yellow abomasum contents were blurred and clotted, PCR, immunhistochemical and microbiological methods detected as Campylobacter spp. positive towards the direction. As a result, we thought that Campylobacteriosis is an important place in the abortion cases from Kars region and should be taken into consideration in breeding.

Molecular Characterization and Determination of Relative Cytokine Expression in Naturally Infected Day-Old Chicks with Chicken Astrovirus Associated to White Chick Syndrome.

Simple SummaryPoultry production in Brazil is a very important economic activity that provides chicken meat and eggs to global markets. Chicken astrovirus is an enteric virus related to enteric problems in chickens of several ages, but which primarily affects young chickens. Chicken astrovirus has been associated with white chick syndrome (WCS) worldwide. The objective of this investigation is to detect and molecularly characterize chicken astrovirus (CAstV) associated with WCS, determine the macroscopic and microscopic lesions and cytokine expression in the jejunum, liver, spleen and thymus of chicks naturally infected with WCS.White chick syndrome (WCS) is an emergent disease that affects hatchability and hatched chicks, resulting in high mortality and economic losses, and is related to chicken astrovirus (CAstV). This syndrome has been reported in several countries worldwide, and groups A iii and B vi of CAstV have been determined; however, in Brazil, the virus has not been genotyped. The innate immunity of chicks affected by WCS or any CAstV is poorly understood and studied, and it is important to determine whether relative cytokine expression occurs during the early stages of the life of chicks. The aim of the present investigation is to detect and molecularly characterize CAstV associated with WCS, examine the macroscopic and microscopic lesions in the jejunum and spleen, and determine cytokine expression in the jejunum, liver, spleen and thymus of chicks naturally infected with WCS. To do so, we applied a pathological and molecular approach for CAstV detection and characterization, as well as the quantification of the relative mRNA expression of several cytokine genes. The phylogenetic analyses of the sequences obtained herein classified CAstV as uniquely belonging to group B iv, showing a high similarity of nucleotides (NT) (75.7–80.6%) and amino acids (AA) (84.2–89.9%) with the members of group B and a low similarity of NT (46.7–47.9%) and AA (37.8–38.9%) with the virus belonging in group A. CAstV was also detected and quantified in the serum, spleen, thymus and jejunum, the latter being the organ where CAstV had the highest viral concentration. However, this organ did not present any microscopical alterations. In contrast, we observed necrotic hepatitis in the liver of the affected subjects. On the other hand, we observed the activation of several T helper 1 (Th1)- and T helper 2 (Th2)-cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-8, IL-12p40, IL-15, TGF-β4, TNF-SF-15 and t-BET), without being able to control the viral replication due to the high concentration of viral particles in some organs, principally in the gut. One possible role of these cytokines is contributing to the control of inflammation and cell protection of intestinal cells, principally during the early activation of immune responses. However, the fact that these responses are not mature enough to control the viral infection means that more studies need to be carried out to elucidate this topic.