Splenic Necrosis Research Articles

First Report of Myocastor coypus Infected with Staphylococcus cohnii

In December 2021, a wildlife conservation base in Hunan, China, reported illness and death among its captive Myocastor coypus population. A gram-positive pathogen was isolated from the affected animals. The 16S rDNA sequence of the isolated strain was approximately 1,500 bp long and exhibited 98.4% homogeneity with Staphylococcus cohnii found in sea cucumbers. Interestingly, the biochemical reactions of the isolated strain were consistent with the characteristics of S. cohnii. The LD100 for BALB/c mice was 1.2 × 107 CFU/g, while the MLD was 0.6 × 107 CFU/g. Inflammatory cell infiltration was observed in the liver, spleen, and kidneys of infected mice, accompanied by widespread systemic bacteremia and focal hepatic and splenic necrosis. Moreover, mycelium was detected in the liver and kidney. The isolated strain possessed both HLB and PVL virulence genes. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report a highly pathogenic strain of S. cohnii isolated from M. coypus, possessing both HLB and PVL virulence genes. The findings contribute to yielding a better understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of S. cohnii and have significant implications for disease control in M. coypus, as well as for public health safety and the prevention of zoonotic diseases.

Unraveling florfenicol's effects on splenic histology, erythrocytes, and hematology of healthy Oreochromis niloticus juveniles

AbstractThe study aimed to investigate the impact of administering the antibiotic florfenicol (FFC) through dietary means on Oreochromis niloticus. The experiment involved exposing the fish to FFC at doses 0–10 times the therapeutic dose of 15 mg/kg biomass per day for 10 consecutive days. The group receiving the therapeutic dose showed 100% survival on the 10th day of dosing. Histological analysis revealed dose‐dependent changes in the spleen, including an increase in sinusoidal space, splenic necrosis, white pulp proliferation, splenitis, and red pulp hemorrhages. Additionally, there was an exponential rise in leukocyte counts accompanied by a significant decrease in erythrocyte counts, indicating the development of anemia due to FFC. The observed splenic histological damage, along with increased erythrophagia, erythro‐membrane breakage, and poikilocytosis, highlighted the splenotoxic and hemotoxic effects of FFC at higher doses. Importantly, these toxic effects showed considerable reduction upon discontinuation of FFC dosing. The study emphasized the need to consider FFC‐induced splenotoxic and hemotoxic outcomes in O. niloticus during its application in aquaculture.

Selection of endovascular treatment strategies and analysis of the efficacy of different locations and types of splenic artery aneurysms

PurposeTo analyze the selection of endovascular treatment strategies and the efficacy of various locations and types of splenic artery aneurysms (SAAs).MethodsSixty-three cases of patients diagnosed with SAA from January 2016 to October 2021 were collected, and their clinical data and follow-up results were analyzed.ResultsAmong the 63 patients, 55 had true SAAs, and 8 had false SAAs. The average diameter of the true SAAs was 2.0 ± 0.8 cm. There were 10 cases of intra-aneurysm embolization, 24 cases of intra-aneurysm and aneurysm-bearing artery embolization, 10 cases of bare stent-assisted coil embolization, and 11 cases of stent grafts. The false SAAs had an average diameter of 2.3 ± 1.1 cm. Aneurysm-bearing artery embolization was applied in 5 cases, and stent grafts were applied in 3 cases. The incidence of complications after embolization of the aneurysm-bearing artery was higher (P < 0.01). Postembolization syndrome occurred in 10 patients; 7 patients developed splenic infarction to varying degrees, 1 patient had mildly elevated blood amylase, and 1 patient developed splenic necrosis with abscess formation, all of which improved after active treatment. The average length of hospital stay was 5.5 ± 3.2 days. The average follow-up time was 17.2 ± 16.1 months, and the aneurysm cavity of all patients was completely thrombotic.ConclusionEndovascular treatments of SAAs are safe and effective. For various locations and types of SAAs, adequate selection of treatment is necessary. Stent grafts are recommended for their safety, economy, practicality, and preservation of the physiological functions of the human body.

Ranavirus (Frog Virus 3) Infection in Free-Living Three-Toed Box Turtles (Terrapene mexicana triunguis) in Missouri, USA.

Frog virus 3 (FV3) and related ranaviruses are emerging infectious disease threats to ectothermic vertebrate species globally. Although the impact of these viruses on amphibian health is relatively well studied, less is understood about their effects on reptile health. We report two cases of FV3 infection, 11 mo apart, in three-toed box turtles (Terrapene mexicana triunguis) from a wildlife rehabilitation center. Case 1 had upper respiratory signs upon intake but had no clinical signs at the time of euthanasia 1 mo later. Case 2 presented for vehicular trauma, had ulcerative pharyngitis and glossitis, and died overnight. In case 1, we detected FV3 nucleic acid with qPCR in oral swabs, kidney, liver, spleen, and tongue. In case 2, we detected FV3 in an oral swab, an oral plaque, heart, kidney, lung, liver, spleen, and tongue. We also detected FV3 nucleic acid with in situ hybridization for case 2. For both cases, FV3 was isolated in cell culture and identified with DNA sequencing. Histopathologic examination of postmortem tissue from case 1 was unremarkable, whereas acute hemorrhagic pneumonia and splenic necrosis were noted in case 2. The difference in clinical signs between the two cases may have been due to differences in the temporal course of FV3 disease at the time of necropsy. Failure to detect this infection previously in Missouri reptiles may be due to lack of surveillance, although cases may also represent a novel spillover to box turtles in Missouri. Our findings reiterate previous suggestions that the range of FV3 infection may be greater than previously documented and that infection may occur in host species yet to be tested.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1 infection in skua and gulls in the United Kingdom, 2022.

The reemergence of the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) subtype H5N1 in the United Kingdom in 2021-2022 has caused unprecedented epizootic events in wild birds and poultry. During the summer of 2022, there was a shift in virus transmission dynamics resulting in increased HPAIV infection in seabirds, and consequently, a profound impact on seabird populations. To understand the pathological impact of HPAIV in seabirds, we evaluated the virus antigen distribution and associated pathological changes in the tissues of great skua (Stercorarius skua, n = 8), long-tailed skua (Stercorarius longicaudus, n = 1), European herring gull (Larus argentatus, n = 5), and black-headed gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus, n = 4), which succumbed to natural infection of HPAIV during the summer of 2022. Cases were collected from Shetland, including Scatness (mainland), No Ness (mainland), Clumlie (mainland), Hermaness (island), Fair Isle (island), Noss (island), and the West Midlands, South East, and South West of England. Grossly, gizzard ulceration was observed in one great skua and pancreatic necrosis was observed in 4 herring gulls, with intralesional viral antigen detected subsequently. Microscopical analysis revealed neuro-, pneumo-, lymphoid-, and cardiomyotropism of HPAIV H5N1, with the most common virus-associated pathological changes being pancreatic and splenic necrosis. Examination of the reproductive tract of the great skua revealed HPAIV-associated oophoritis and salpingitis, and virus replication within the oviductal epithelium. The emergence of HPAIV in seabirds Stercorariidae and Laridae, particularly during summer 2022, has challenged the dogma of HPAIV dynamics, posing a significant threat to wild bird life with potential implications for the reproductive performance of seabirds of conservation importance.

Systemic salmonellosis in 4 cats.

Clinical signs in 4 cases of salmonellosis in cats included vomiting, diarrhea (2 cases each), fever, dystocia, icterus, and seizures (1 case each). Three cats died, and one was euthanized. Grossly, all cats were in poor body condition and had yellow-to-dark-red perianal feces (3 cases), oral and ocular pallor (2 cases) or icterus (1 case), fluid or pasty yellow intestinal contents (4 cases), white or dark-red-to-black depressed areas on the hepatic surface (2 cases), yellow abdominal fluid with swollen abdominal lymph nodes (1 case), and fibrin strands on the placental chorionic surface (1 case). Histologically, all cats had necrotizing enterocolitis and random hepatocellular necrosis. Other histologic findings included mesenteric (4 cases) or splenic (2 cases) lymphoid necrosis, and endometrial and chorioallantoic necrosis (1 case). Gram-negative bacilli were observed within neutrophils and macrophages in the intestinal lamina propria (4 cases), liver, spleen, lymph node, endometrium, and placenta (1 case each). Aerobic bacterial culture on frozen samples of small intestine, mesenteric lymph node, lung, and liver yielded Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica. Serotyping was consistent with S. Enteritidis (cases 1, 3) and S. Typhimurium (cases 2, 4).

A Survey of the Literature on the Plague and Efficient Cure

Yersinia pestis is causative agent of plague and is considered one of the most likely pathogens to be used as a bioweapon. In humans, plague is severe clinical infection that can rapidly progress with a high mortality despite antibiotic therapy. Plague is an acute infectious disease caused by gram-negative cocco-bacillus Yersinia pestis. This review provides an overview of its clinical manifestation, diagnosis, treatment, prophylaxis and protection requirements for the use of clinicians. I discuss the likelihood of a plagiarism of plague in an online world, and the feasibility of obtaining, isolating, culturing, transporting and dispersing plague in the context of an attack aimed at a westernized country. The lethality of plague with the resurgent in number of cases, development of antibiotic resistance, recent occurrence in urban areas and the lack of a vaccine make it a disease not to be missed in the mortuary. An extensive literature search on the Medline and Web of science database was conducted to collect papers relevant to plague. In autopsy, organ may be lymphadenopathy, fulminant pneumonia and diffuse interstitial pneumonitis. Conversely, any organ may be affected by myocarditis, meningitis, pharyngitis and hepatic and splenic necrosis. Front-line clinicians should be aware of the potential of deliberate release of plague and prepared to instigate early isolation of patient.

Resveratrol Attenuates Heat-Stress-Impaired Immune and Inflammatory Responses of Broilers by Modulating Toll-Like Receptor-4 Signaling Pathway

This study investigated the effect of resveratrol on the immune and inflammatory responses and the mRNA levels of splenic toll-like receptor (TLR)-4 signaling pathway-related genes of broilers under heat stress (HS). One hundred and sixty-two birds were allocated to three groups, each with 6 replicates, for 21 continuous days. The three treatments were as follows: the control group (22 ± 1 °C), the HS (33 ± 1 °C for 10 h d-1 and 22 ± 1 °C for the remaining time) group and the HS + resveratrol (400 mg kg-1) group. At the end of the trial, one bird per replicate close to the average body weight (BW) was selected, exsanguinated, and slaughtered. Compared with the control group, the HS treatment decreased (p<0.05) final BW, average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), relative weight of bursa of Fabricius and spleen, serum immunoglobulin (Ig) Y, IgA and interleukin (IL)-10 contents, and splenic IL-10 mRNA level, while it increased (p<0.05) feed/gain, mRNA levels of splenic tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), TLR-4, nuclear factor-kappa-B (NF-κB), IL-1β, and IL-6. Compared to the HS group, the HS+resveratrol group exhibited increased (p<0.05) final BW, ADG, relative weight of bursa of Fabricius and spleen, serum IgY, IgA and IL-10 contents, and splenic IL-10 mRNA level, while it exhibited lower (p<0.05) TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 contents in serum, and splenic TLR4, TNF-α, IL-1β, and NF-κB mRNA levels. In conclusion, resveratrol prevented a HS-impairment of the immune function of broilers by blocking the abnormal activation of the TLR4 signaling pathway.

Inclusion Body Disease and Columbid Alphaherpesvirus 1 Infection in a Eurasian Eagle-Owl (Bubo bubo) of Central Italy.

Hepatosplenitis or inclusion body disease is a fatal disease in owls caused by Columbid alphaherpesvirus 1 (CoHV-1). A few old case reports describe it worldwide. In Italy, knowledge regarding virus circulation and disease development is lacking. Four Eurasian eagle-owls (Bubo bubo), two adults and two juveniles, were submitted for postmortem examination showing aspecific clinical signs a few hours before death. Grossly disseminated petechial hemorrhages on serosal surfaces (n = 4), hepatic and splenic necrosis (n = 3), bilateral and symmetric necrosis of pharyngeal tonsils (n = 2), and diffuse and bilateral dark-red discoloration and firmness in lungs (n = 2) were seen. Tissues were sampled for histology, bacteriology, molecular testing, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). On histology, disseminated petechial hemorrhages (n = 4) and necrosis of liver (n = 3) and spleen (n = 3) were seen, as well as lympho-histiocytic interstitial pneumonia and meningoencephalitis (n = 2). Intranuclear inclusion bodies (INIBs) were detected in one case. A panherpesviral PCR led to positive results in one case, identified in sequencing as CoHV-1. On TEM, intranuclear and intracytoplasmic virions with herpesviral morphology were seen in the same case. For the other three birds, the lack of PCR positivity, INIBs, and TEM detection could be linked to a possible reduction of the virus to undetectable levels. Death possibly occurred secondarily to bacterial infections, supposedly established during the acute phase of CoHV-1 infection. This paper reports the presence of CoHV-1in Italy and the development of a fatal form of the disease in a Eurasian eagle-owl.

Detection and Identification of Avian Reovirus in Young Geese (Anser anser domestica) in Poland

Avian reovirus (ARV) is a cause of infections of broiler and turkey flocks, as well as waterfowl birds. This case report describes a reovirus detection in a fattening goose flock. GRV-infected geese suffer from severe arthritis, tenosynovitis, pericarditis, depressed growth, or runting-stunting syndrome (RSS), malabsorption syndrome, and respiratory and enteric diseases. GRV (goose reovirus) caused pathological lesions in various organs and joints, especially in the liver and spleen. GRV infection causes splenic necrosis, which induces immunosuppression, predisposing geese to infection with other pathogens, which could worsen the disease and lead to death. Our results showed that GRV was detected via RT-PCR and isolated in SPF (Specific Pathogen Free) embryos. This is the first report of the involvement of reovirus in arthritis, and the generalized infection of young geese in Poland, resulting in pathological changes in internal organs and sudden death. This study also provides new information about the GRV, a disease that is little known and underestimated.

Isolation and characterization of a duck reovirus strain from mature ducks in China

In 2018, a disease characterized by splenic hemorrhage and necrosis killed ducks in a duck farm in Guangxi province, China. A duck reovirus strain was isolated from the tissues of the dead ducks by inoculating duck embryos and BHK-21 cells. Electron microscopy of the cultured the isolate showed that the viral particles were nearly round in shape and approximately 70 nm in diameter, and they were designated DRV-GL18. Sequence analysis showed that the GL18 strain viral genome was 23,419 nt in length and had 10 dsRNA segments. Phylogenetic analysis of cDNA amplicons of segments encoding the protein σC which are outer capsid proteins showed that the isolate belongs to the branch of the epidemic strains of duck reovirus. The Recombination Detection Program (RDP) and SimPlot program analyses suggested potential genetic recombination events in the M2 segments. Pathogenicity experiments revealed that GL18 produced severe hemorrhaging in livers and necrosis in the spleen of infected SPF ducklings. A death rate of 50% in the experimental ducklings was calculated during the first 7 d, and the rest of the ducklings were observed to undergo spleen necrosis. These data suggested that GL18 is a duck reovirus isolate with severer pathogenicity, and it could be a candidate for development of vaccine. This is the first reported isolation of duck reovirus from mature ducks.

Adenoviral infection in 5 red-tailed hawks and a broad-winged hawk.

Adenoviral infections among raptors are best described in falcons and are characterized most commonly by necrotizing hepatitis and splenitis; only one case has been reported in a hawk. Five red-tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis) and a broad-winged hawk (Buteo platypterus) had an adenoviral infection based on history, histopathology, negative-stain electron microscopy, and PCR. All birds had acute onset of illness resulting in death; 3 had evidence of a concurrent bacterial infection. Microscopically, all 6 birds had solitary, pale eosinophilic-to-amphophilic, intranuclear inclusion bodies within presumed hematopoietic cells in bone marrow and macrophages in spleen. Five of the 6 birds had similar inclusions within hepatocytes and Kupffer cells. All but one bird had severe bone marrow necrosis. There was moderate splenic necrosis (3 of 6) and mild-to-marked hepatic necrosis (4 of 6). Negative-stain electron microscopy demonstrated adenoviral particles in bone marrow (5 of 6), liver (1 of 5), and/or spleen (1 of 5). PCR was positive for adenovirus in bone marrow (3 of 5), liver (1 of 3), spleen (4 of 6), and/or intestinal contents (2 of 3). Viral DNA polymerase gene sequences clustered within the Siadenovirus genus. There was 99% nucleotide identity to one another and 90% nucleotide identity with the closest related adenovirus (Harris hawk, EU715130). Our case series expands on the limited knowledge of adenoviral infections in hawks. The splenic and hepatic necrosis, and particularly the hitherto unreported bone marrow necrosis, suggest that adenoviral infection is clinically relevant and potentially fatal in hawks.

Famotidine activates the vagus nerve inflammatory reflex to attenuate cytokine storm

BackgroundSevere COVID-19 is characterized by pro-inflammatory cytokine release syndrome (cytokine storm) which causes high morbidity and mortality. Recent observational and clinical studies suggest famotidine, a histamine 2 receptor (H2R) antagonist widely used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease, attenuates the clinical course of COVID-19. Because evidence is lacking for a direct antiviral activity of famotidine, a proposed mechanism of action is blocking the effects of histamine released by mast cells. Here we hypothesized that famotidine activates the inflammatory reflex, a brain-integrated vagus nerve mechanism which inhibits inflammation via alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) signal transduction, to prevent cytokine storm.MethodsThe potential anti-inflammatory effects of famotidine and other H2R antagonists were assessed in mice exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cytokine storm. As the inflammatory reflex is integrated and can be stimulated in the brain, and H2R antagonists penetrate the blood brain barrier poorly, famotidine was administered by intracerebroventricular (ICV) or intraperitoneal (IP) routes.ResultsFamotidine administered IP significantly reduced serum and splenic LPS-stimulated tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and IL-6 concentrations, significantly improving survival. The effects of ICV famotidine were significantly more potent as compared to the peripheral route. Mice lacking mast cells by genetic deletion also responded to famotidine, indicating the anti-inflammatory effects are not mast cell-dependent. Either bilateral sub-diaphragmatic vagotomy or genetic knock-out of α7nAChR abolished the anti-inflammatory effects of famotidine, indicating the inflammatory reflex as famotidine’s mechanism of action. While the structurally similar H2R antagonist tiotidine displayed equivalent anti-inflammatory activity, the H2R antagonists cimetidine or ranitidine were ineffective even at very high dosages.ConclusionsThese observations reveal a previously unidentified vagus nerve-dependent anti-inflammatory effect of famotidine in the setting of cytokine storm which is not replicated by high dosages of other H2R antagonists in clinical use. Because famotidine is more potent when administered intrathecally, these findings are also consistent with a primarily central nervous system mechanism of action.

Gross pathology of high pathogenicity avian influenza virus H5N1 2021–2022 epizootic in naturally infected birds in the United Kingdom

High pathogenicity avian influenza virus (HPAIV) clade 2.3.4.4b has re-emerged in the United Kingdom in 2021–2022 winter season, with over 90 cases of HPAIV detected among poultry and captive birds in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Globally, HPAIV H5N1 has also had a wide geographical dispersion, causing outbreaks in Europe, North America, Asia, and Africa, impacting on socioeconomic and wildlife conservation. It is important to raise awareness of the gross pathological features of HPAIV and subsequently aid disease investigation through definition of pathological indicators following natural infection. In this study, we report on the gross pathology of HPAI H5N1 in poultry species (chicken, turkey, pheasant, guineafowl, duck, goose), and captive or wild birds (mute swan, tufted duck, jackdaw, peahen, white-tailed eagle) that tested positive between October 2021 and February 2022. Pancreatic and splenic necrosis were the common pathological findings in both Galliformes and Anseriformes. In addition to the more severe lesions documented in Galliformes, we also noted increased detection of pathological changes in a broader range of Anseriformes particularly in domestic ducks, in contrast to those reported in previous seasons with other H5Nx HPAIV subtypes. A continual effort to characterise the pathological impact of the disease is necessary to update on the presentation of HPAIV for both domestic/captive and wild birds whilst guiding early presumptive diagnosis.

Effects of early-life cecal microbiota transplantation from divergently selected inbred chicken lines on growth, gut serotonin, and immune parameters in recipient chickens

Recent studies have revealed that fecal microbiota transplantation exerts beneficial effects on modulating stress-related inflammation and gastrointestinal health of the host. The aim of this study was to examine if cecal microbiota transplantation (CMT) presents similar efficiency in improving the health status of egg-laying strain chickens. Chicken lines 63 and 72 divergently selected for resistance or susceptibility to Marek's disease were used as CMT donors. Eighty-four d-old male recipient chicks (a commercial DeKalb XL layer strain) were randomly assigned into 3 treatments with 7 replicates per treatment and 4 birds per replicate (n = 7): saline (control, CTRL), cecal solution of line 63 (63-CMT), and cecal solution of line 72 (72-CMT) for a 16-wk trial. Cecal transplant gavage was conducted once daily from d 1 to d 10, then boosted once weekly from wk 3 to wk 5. The results indicated that 72-CMT birds had the highest body weight and ileal villus/crypt ratio among the treatments at wk 5 (P ≤ 0.05); and higher heterophil/lymphocyte ratios than that of 63-CMT birds at wk 16 (P < 0.05). 72-CMT birds also had higher levels of plasma natural IgG and Interleukin (IL)-6 at wk 16, while 63-CMT birds had higher concentrations of ileal mucosal secretory IgA at wk 5 and plasma IL-10 at wk 16 (P < 0.05), with a tendency for lower mRNA abundance of splenic IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α at wk 16 (P = 0.08 and 0.07, respectively). In addition, 72-CMT birds tended to have the lowest serotonin concentrations (P = 0.07) with the highest serotonin turnover in the ileum at wk 5 (P < 0.05). There were no treatment effects on the levels of plasma corticosterone and testosterone at wk 16 (P > 0.05). In conclusion, early postnatal CMT from different donors led to different patterns of growth and health status through the regulation of ileal morphological structures, gut-derived serotonergic activities, peripheral cytokines, and antibody production in recipient chickens.

Fatal toxoplasmosis in Little Penguins (Eudyptula minor) from Penguin Island, Western Australia.

Routine post mortems of deceased penguins from Penguin Island, Western Australia, found that a temporal cluster of cases presented with characteristic gross and microscopic changes, namely birds in good body condition with hepatomegaly and splenomegaly, multifocal hepatic and splenic necrosis and numerous, 1–2 μm diameter protozoan parasites within the necrotic foci.Electron microscopy identified the protozoa as belonging to the phylum Apicomplexa. Molecular investigations by PCR gave inconsistent results. PCR performed by an external laboratory identified a novel Haemoproteus spp. organism in samples from 4 of 10 cases from this group, while PCR at Murdoch University identified Toxoplasma gondii in 12 of 13 cases (including 9 of the 10 assayed at the external laboratory). Immunohistochemistry of formalin fixed tissues also identified Toxoplasma in the hepatic and splenic lesions.The distinctive mortalities which were observed in this group of penguins are attributed to a fulminant toxoplasmosis, with a concurrent Haemoproteus infection in some cases. Though the clinical signs of infection are unknown, the gross and microscopic appearance at post mortem is sufficiently characteristic to allow a diagnosis to be made on these features. Definitive confirmation of Toxoplasma infection can be made by immunohistochemistry or PCR.

Autopsy, histopathology and nano technological study of the spleen in a case of aluminum phosphide poisoning in India

Introduction: Phosphine poisoning occurs infrequently. As of 1984, 94 cases had been reported in the world literature, with 28 deaths, but its frequency has increased recently. Cases of aluminum phosphide poisoning were first reported in India in 1980. Before then poisoning by aluminum phosphide in India was unknown. These poisoning are mostly suicidal.Material and Method: A 40 year old male resident of Phulwari Sharif, Patna, INDIA consumed 3 tablets of Aluminum phosphide. The patient was referred to AIIMS Patna higher center for treatment where he died at around 7:00 p.m. His body was kept overnight in AIIMS Mortuary cold chamber. An autopsy was performed at Mortuary of AIIMS Patna, INDIA. Chemical analysis report given by FSL, Patna came out positive for aluminum phosphide. All viscera sent for histopathology to Department of Pathology, AIIMS Patna, India. Spleen was sent for electron microscopic examination to CDRI, Lucknow, India.Result: The spleen was congested and edematous weighing 140 g; on histopathology, the spleen was markedly congested and showed focal areas of exudation and small hemorrhages with necrosis. Electron microscopy of a cut section of the spleen showed that the sinusoids were dilated and congested, and the splenic mucosa showed hemorrhagic infarction followed by necrosis.Conclusion: The histopathological report of the section of spleen showed hemorrhagic infarction, which is quite possible in Celphos poisoning, as it causes widespread organ damage with congestion and petechial hemorrhages, as well as edematous organs. Splenic necrosis is a sequela of infarction of the spleen. Sinusoidal dilatation of the spleen is due to its edema and the hypoxic damage002E.

Enhancement of growth, antioxidative status, nonspecific immunity, and disease resistance in gibel carp (Carassius auratus) in response to dietary Flos populi extract

This study investigated the effects of dietary Flos populi extract (FPE) on the growth, antioxidation capability, innate immune response, and disease resistance in gibel carp. A total of 480 fish were fed with five different diets containing 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, or 2.0 g kg−1 FPE (designated as control, D0.5, D1.0, D1.5, or D2.0 groups) for 45 days. The fish were challenged with A. hydrophila after the feeding trial. Compared with the control, the feed efficiency (FE), weight gain (WG), final body weight (FBW), and specific growth rate (SGR) were significantly improved in groups D1.0 and D1.5. Dietary FPE significantly increased serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) activities, as well as glutathione (GSH) content. The contents of protein carbonyl (PCC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum decreased significantly. Additionally, FPE supplementation in diets resulted in significant improvement in serum lysozyme (LZM) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activities, as well as immunoglobulin M (IgM) and complement 3 (C3) concentrations. The hepatic antioxidant enzymes (CAT and SOD) activities increased, whereas content of MDA decreased in fish treated with dietary FPE than those of control both pre- and post-challenged. After 12 h-challenge, an obvious downregulation of hepatic Kelch-like-ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), splenic tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-8, IL-1β, and toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) mRNA levels was observed in fish treated with dietary FPE, whereas hepatic Nrf2 transcription level was upregulated compared to the control. Furthermore, compared to group D0.5, higher relative percent survival (RPS) was observed in gibel carp fed dietary 1.0–2.0 g/kg FPE. Our results reveal that FPE supplemented diet has a stimulatory effect on antioxidant capacity and nonspecific immune response, along with improved growth performance and enhanced resistance against A. hydrophila infection in juvenile gibel carp.

Postmortem Biopsies of the Lung, Heart, Liver, and Spleen of COVID-19 Patients.

ObjectiveWe aimed to evaluate histopathologic alterations in the lung, heart, liver, and spleen of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) decedents through postmortem core needle biopsies.Materials and methodsPatients who died of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction-proven COVID-19 were included in this postmortem case series. Postmortem percutaneous ultrasound-guided biopsies of the lungs, heart, liver, and spleen were performed using 14- and 16-gauge needles. Biopsy samples were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and examined under a light microscope. Clinicodemographic characteristics, chest computed tomography (CT) images, and COVID-19-related treatments of the patients were also collected.ResultsSeven patients were included in this study. Liver and heart tissue samples were available from all patients, and lung and spleen tissue samples were available from five and three patients, respectively. Chest CT images predominantly revealed bibasilar ground-glass opacities. Lung biopsies showed diffuse alveolar damage in all biopsy specimens. Heart findings were nonspecific and largely compatible with the underlying disease. Patchy necrosis, steatosis, and mononuclear cell infiltration were the main findings in the liver biopsies. Splenic histopathological examination showed that splenic necrosis and neutrophil infiltration were common findings in all patients.ConclusionTissue acquisition was complete for the heart and liver and acceptable for the lungs. The amount of tissue was sufficient for a proper histopathologic examination. Histopathological findings were generally in accordance with previous autopsy studies. Radiological findings of the lung were also correlated with the histopathologic findings. We consider that a postmortem biopsy is a feasible alternative for histopathological examinations in COVID-19 decedents.

Development of an aerogenous Escherichia coli infection model in adult broiler breeders

Escherichia coli constitutes an immense challenge to the poultry industry due to its devastating effect on productivity, mortality, and carcass condemnations. To aid future studies on disease mechanisms and interventions, an aerogenous infection model was established in adult broiler breeders. Hens (n = 120) were randomly allocated into six groups receiving either aerosolised E. coli or vehicle, or intratracheal E. coli or vehicle. Replication of aerosol inoculation was performed on distinct days. Alternating euthanasia time points were predetermined in order to evaluate the progression of the disease. All animals were thoroughly necropsied, and bacteriological samples were collected as well as tissues for histopathology. Birds inoculated with E. coli exhibited clinical signs and developed characteristic gross and histopathological lesions of colibacillosis, including splenic fibrinoid necrosis, folliculitis, polyserositis and impaction of parabronchi with fibrinoheterophilic exudate and necrotic debris, as well as positive in situ localisation of intralesional E. coli by immunohistochemistry. This study presents a successful development of a discriminative colibacillosis model through aerosol inoculation of adult broiler breeders. Gross and histopathological lesions characteristic of colibacillosis were established in two independent experiments.