Immunohistochemical Diagnosis of Pseudorabies (aujeszky's Disease) in a Cow in Van, Turkey

Abstract

Aujeszky's disease, also known as pseudorabies, is caused by an alphaherpesvirus that infects the central nervous system and other system. Disease was first recognized as a fatal viral disease of cattle and dogs in 1902. The natural infections have been reported worldwide in swine, cattle, dogs and variety of wildlife species in more recent years. The study material was a 5 years old cow which was brought with symptoms such as skin itching, weakness, convulsions, fever and neurogical signs. As a result of the clinical examination the animal was suspected for Aujeszky's disease. Slaughter and necropsy were recommended. Subsequent to necropsy, tissues were fixed in formalin. Samples were evaluated histopathologically and immunohistochemically. According to the histopathological findings; diffuse, non-suppurative inflammation of brain, spinal cord and spinal nerves were determined. Brain lesions were detected commonly in cerebral and cerebellar cortexes. Grey and white matter were both affected. It was observed marked perivascular lymphoplasmocytic cell infiltration, glial cell proliferation, Hyperemia and hemoragia in veins in brain and light chromatolysis have been identified in some neurons. Intranuclear inclusions were observed in neurons. On the skin itching region of animal, serofibrinous inflammation in the dermis and subcutis was detected. According to the immunohistochemical findings; immunoperoxidase was detected strong positive in cytoplasms of both neurons and glial cells in areas with meningitis in brain. Consequently; after clinical, macroscopical and microscopical examination, this case was diagnosed as Aujeszky's disease. The aim of this study is presenting this disease immunochemically as it has never been reported in cattle in Turkey. We believe that it would be appropriate to present this case report since it is the first Pseudorabies case in cattle in Turkey.