A Sarcocystis sp.-like protozoan and concurrent canine distemper virus infection associated with encephalitis in a raccoon (Procyon lotor).
A raccoon (Procyon lotor) with signs of weakness was captured in upstate New York (USA). Despite attempted care in a rehabilitation facility, the animal died and was examined because of suspected infectious neurologic disease. The cerebrum had a marked, locally extensive, neutrophilic, necrotizing encephalitis with numerous associated intralesional protozoal organisms, and a moderate to marked multifocal perivascular nonsuppurative meningoencephalitis. Based on morphology and immunohistochemical staining, the organism was a Sarcocystis sp.-like protozoan. Rabies antigen and canine distemper virus (CDV) inclusions were not detected. However, the animal was positive for canine distemper virus based on peroxidase anti-peroxidase staining.
Stoffregen
D A
DA
Department of Pathology, New York State College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca 14850.
Dubey
J P
JP
D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000382:microbiology / Q000469:parasitology / Q000473:pathology; D004216:Distemper / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology; D004217:Distemper Virus, Canine / Q000302:isolation & purification; D004660:Encephalitis / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D011821:Raccoons; D012522:Sarcocystis / Q000302:isolation & purification; D012523:Sarcocystosis / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*