Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid in healthy rabbits and rabbits with clinically suspected encephalitozoonosis

Jass, Ariane; Matiasek, Kaspar; Henke, Jan-Marc; Küchenhoff, Helmut; Hartmann, Katrin; Fischer, Andrea

doi:10.1136/vr.162.19.618

Cited by 35 publications

(22 citation statements)

References 15 publications

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“…It was concluded that lymphomonocytic pleocytosis and increased concentrations of protein in CSF are characteristic signs of encephalitozoonosis in rabbits. However, any other viral, protozoan or immune-mediated encephalitis can induce a similar result (Jass et al 2008). …”

Section: Diagnosic Proceduresmentioning

confidence: 94%

“…A recent study documented that the analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) can support a clinical diagnosis of encephalitozoonosis in rabbits (Jass et al 2008). It was concluded that lymphomonocytic pleocytosis and increased concentrations of protein in CSF are characteristic signs of encephalitozoonosis in rabbits.…”

Section: Diagnosic Proceduresmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In many cases, the onset of clinical signs is sudden and often follows a stressful event in the rabbit's life (Meyer-Breckwoldt 1996). The most frequently observed neurological sign in rabbits with encephalitozoonosis is vestibular disease (Kunstýř and Naumann 1985;Harcourt-Brown and Holloway 2003;Jass et al 2008). In addition to head tilt and ataxia, signs of vestibular disease include circling, nystagmus and rotational movements around the body length axis.…”

Section: Clinical Symptomsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Encephalitozoonosis in rabbits

Künzel

Joachim

2009

Parasitol Res

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Encephalitozoon cuniculi is an obligatory intracellular microsporidian parasite that can infect a wide range of mammals, including rodents, rabbits, horses, carnivores and humans, in which the organism is known as an opportunistic pathogen of immunocompromised individuals. Nevertheless, the main host for E. cuniculi is the rabbit and infections usually have a sub-clinical course. However, severe disease is recognised in pet rabbits more frequently within the last years. As the central nervous system, the kidney and the eye are predilection organs for the organism, predominant histopathological alterations comprise granulomatous meningoencephalitis, chronic interstitial nephritis and phacoclastic uveitis. A definitive diagnosis of encephalitozoonosis in vivo is difficult, but it is important for specific treatment and the determination of possible zoonotic risks. This review article covers epidemiology, pathology, pathophysiology, immunology, clinical signs, differential diagnosis, diagnosis and treatment of encephalitozoonosis in rabbits.

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Section: Diagnosic Proceduresmentioning

confidence: 94%

Section: Diagnosic Proceduresmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Clinical Symptomsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Encephalitozoonosis in rabbits

Künzel

Joachim

2009

Parasitol Res

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“…This may also be seen with other infections (Jass and others 2008) and is not diagnostic as a single result. However, observed changes increase the likelihood of E cuniculi infection being present.…”

Section: The Grey Areasmentioning

confidence: 97%

Encephalitozoonosis in rabbits – what we do and don't know

Keeble¹

2011

In Practice

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graduated from Bristol in 1994, and spent time in mixed practice before taking up an internship in wildlife medicine and surgery at the RSPCA Wildlife Hospital in Taunton. She is currently a lecturer in exotic animal, zoo and wildlife medicine at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies. She is an RCVS specialist in zoological medicine. Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection is commonly diagnosed in pet rabbits and has been recognised for some time in farm and laboratory rabbits. It is an opportunistic pathogen of humans causing disease in immunosuppressed HIV-positive patients and many other animal species, but the primary host is the rabbit where subclinical infections are common. While there is a wealth of literature on this disease in laboratory rabbits, much is still unknown about the disease in pet rabbits. Findings are often confusing and, in some instances, conflicting, making interpretation difficult, particularly with regard to the diagnosis and treatment of the disease. This article clarifies what we do and don't know about E cuniculi infection, focusing on diagnostic and treatment options. It also summarises recent developments and research into this disease, which may aid in the diagnosis of encephalitozoonosis in pet rabbits. The facts Encephalitozoonosis-what is it? Encephalitozoon cuniculi belongs to the phylum Microsporidia. This is a diverse group of single-celled obligate intracellular protozoa with a unique organelle, the polar filament, which plays an important role in infection of the host cell. Microsporidia are sporeforming parasites and have a wide host distribution, which includes both invertebrates and members of all classes of vertebrates. Recent research has indicated that they may be more closely related to fungi than to protozoa, which means that novel antifungal drugs may be of use in treating this disease.

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“…Even when available, the usefulness of PCR is unclear, since the presence of E. cuniculi DNA in body fl uids does not correlate well with disease. 63,64 Additionally, negative urine results do not exclude encephalitozoonosis because spores may be shed intermittently. 45 Histopathology is a good diagnostic tool for biopsy or postmortem specimens.…”

Section: Encephalitozoon C Uniculimentioning

confidence: 99%