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Cutaneous lesions associated with dual infection caused by canine distemper virus and orthopoxvirus in a domestic cat
Author(s) -
Wiener Dominique J.,
Welle Monika M.,
Origgi Francesco C.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
veterinary dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.744
H-Index - 60
eISSN - 1365-3164
pISSN - 0959-4493
DOI - 10.1111/vde.12063
Subject(s) - canine distemper , histopathology , pathology , eosinophilic , virus , orthopoxvirus , skin biopsy , erythema , immunohistochemistry , medicine , biology , biopsy , virology , dermatology , vaccinia , biochemistry , gene , recombinant dna
Background Within the context of an increased epidemiological pressure caused by canine distemper virus ( CDV ) in Switzerland together with a potential re‐emergence of endemic pathogens such as orthopoxviruses ( OPXV ), dual infections are possible among susceptible species. Objective To describe a case of concurrent CDV and OPXV infection in a cat. Animal A 5‐year‐old, neutered male cat was presented with erythema, crusts and ulcerations around the left eye. High‐grade pruritus and a severe conjunctivitis were also present. Methods Formalin‐fixed skin biopsy samples were obtained from lesional skin. Histopathology, CDV immunohistochemistry and CDV and OPXV RT ‐ PCR were performed. Results Histopathological examination showed severe epidermal necrosis extending to the follicular walls and a dermal infiltration, predominantly eosinophilic. Intranuclear and intracytoplasmic eosinophilic inclusion bodies were visible in the wall of affected hair follicles, with occasional formation of syncytia. The RT ‐ PCR revealed the contextual presence of both CDV and OPXV . Scattered cells stained positive for CDV by immunohistochemistry. Conclusion and discussion Dual infections with CDV and OPXV , although rare, may occur and represent additional differential diagnoses for ulcerative skin lesions in cats.