Cerebrospinal nematodosis caused by Parelaphostrongylus species in an adult bull

Abstract

A 2-y-old Brahman bull was presented with progressive hindlimb ataxia and paraparesis that led to recumbency. Postmortem examination revealed scattered pinpoint, red-brown foci within the brainstem and gray matter of the spinal cord, and a larger lesion within the spinal cord at the level of T13. Histology of the section of T13 contained cross-sections of nematodes consistent with Parelaphostrongylus tenuis. Evidence of inflammation was present in other affected areas of the spinal cord and brain. DNA extraction and nested PCR were performed, which demonstrated 98% identity and 100% coverage to both P. tenuis and P. andersoni. Our case highlights the utility of DNA sequencing in parasite identification.

Pathologic features and molecular identification of parelaphostrongylosis in a sitatunga (<i>Tragelaphus spekii</i>)

“…Since 2010 [ 26 ], molecular analyses have enabled confirmatory diagnosis of parelaphostrongylosis. In this study, we conducted FFPE-PCR on brain sections targeting the ITS2 region and confirmed P. tenuis , underlining the suitability of FFPE-PCR for final confirmation of P. tenuis , as shown in other bovids [ 16 ]. Histological examination combined with molecular analysis provides the best diagnostic output for cerebral nematodiases.…”

“…The pathologic features of these nematodiases vary primarily depending on the neuroanatomical location affected, host susceptibility, and intensity of infection [ 1 , 7 , 12 , 13 ]. Specifically, P. tenuis infections in susceptible hosts are characterized by destructive migration tracks, rarefaction, neuroparenchymal loss and pleocellular inflammation [ 12 , 16 , 21 ]. The pathologic findings in this case were in agreement with previous observations [ 12 ].…”