Fatal herpesvirus encephalitis in a reticulated giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata).
Fatal meningoencephalitis caused by equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) was diagnosed in a reticulated giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis reticulate). The giraffe died following a history of stumbling, incoordination, and abdominal pain. Gross examination of the brain revealed asymmetric edema and red-brown discoloration, predominantly within the telencephalon. Microscopically, there was perivascular lymphohistiocytic cuffing, multifocal gliosis, and neuronal necrosis in the cerebrum. Necrotic neurons contained acidophilic intranuclear inclusions. EHV-1 was isolated from the brain of the giraffe, and polymerase chain reaction was positive on sections of the brain. Immunohistochemistry using an EHV-1-specific antibody identified positive staining in neurons, astrocytes, and endothelial cells. The giraffe had been housed with a group of zebras that were serologically positive for EHV-1 and suspected as the source of infection. This raises concerns for cross-species transmission of EHV-1 when housing equids together with other species in zoologic collections.
Hoenerhoff
M J
MJ
Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health, Michigan State University, 4125 Beaumont Road, Lansing, MI 49170, USA.
Janovitz
E B
EB
Richman
L K
LK
Murphy
D A
DA
Butler
T C
TC
Kiupel
M
M
D000818:Animals; D000866:Antelopes / Q000821:virology*; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000302:isolation & purification; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology / Q000821:virology; D004660:Encephalitis / Q000662:veterinary* / Q000821:virology; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006566:Herpesviridae Infections / Q000662:veterinary*; D004861:Herpesvirus 1, Equid / Q000302:isolation & purification; D008297:Male
D000914:Antibodies, Viral