Concurrent Peste des Petits Ruminants Virus and Pestivirus Infection in Stillborn Twin Lambs

Abstract

Abstract. Concurrent infection with peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) and pestivirus was diagnosed in stillborn twin lambs. With the flock history, the findings of epidermal syncytial cells and necrotizing bronchitis/bronchiolitis prompted testing for PPRV infection, and PPRV antigen was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in the skin, lungs, kidneys, rumen, and thymus. Macroscopic anomalies that were typical of border disease included scoliosis, brachygnathism, prognathism, arthrogryposis, hydranencephaly, cerebellar hypoplasia, and hairy fleece; pestiviral antigen was detected by IHC in the brain, liver, lungs, and kidneys. Tissues from both lambs were positive by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for PPRV and pestivirus. To the authors' knowledge, PPR has not been reported previously as a congenital infection or in combination with pestiviral infection.

Global distribution of peste des petits ruminants virus and prospects for improved diagnosis and control

“…1b). (Abubakar et al, 2008) although co-infection with both PPRV and pestiviruses in cases of abortion has been reported (Kul et al, 2008). The virus is highly contagious and easily transmitted by direct contact between the secretions and/or excretions of infected animals and nearby healthy animals (Ezeibe et al, 2008).…”

Pathophysiology and Clinical Assessment of Peste des Petits Ruminants

“…The disease in kids and lambs has been described in several studies (Aktas et al 2011;Kul et al 2008;Taylor et al 1990;Cam et al 2005). Collectively, the observations in these studies indicated that PPR can be described in lambs and kids with dullness, anorexia, lacrimation, salivation, and coughing, leading to respiratory stress, diarrhea, and hyperemia in the conjunctiva.…”

“…Infection of PPR along with other concurrent infections leads to severe infection in kids and lambs, which culminates in greater mortality. The concurrent infection of PPRV and pestivirus has been reported to cause stillbirth (Kul et al 2008). The victim lambs have been characterized grossly and histopathologically.…”

“…f Abnormalities in the joints such as carpal, tarsal, stifle, and elbow are obvious. Images were adapted from Kul et al (2008) with permission…”

Central nervous system and skull malformations associated with Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus in a calf

“…The animals exposed to Pestiviruses during the first trimester of their pregnancy show high rates of abortion, mummification, and embryo resorption as well as development of serious malformations in the calves such as cerebellar hypoplasia, porencephaly or hydranencephaly in the central nervous system (CNS). Moreover, important pathologic findings such as severe scoliosis of the skeletal system and arthrogryposis can accompany, as well ( 1,6,8,9,13).…”