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Published on: March 28, 2012
Microscopic evidence of adenoviral infection in a muskrat in Illinois
1California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis 95616, USA. dmwebb@gallatinriver.net
Abstract:
A wild muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) found moribund in Illinois (USA) had minimal meningitis and pleuritis, probably of bacterial origin. There were large, basophilic, intranuclear inclusion bodies within scattered enterocytes. The inclusions were microscopically typical of those produced by adenoviruses, and ultrastructurally were intranuclear paracrystalline arrays of virus particles with characteristics of adenoviruses. The significance of the adenovirus infection in this muskrat is unknown.
Insights
A wild muskrat showed signs of adenovirus infection, identified by intranuclear inclusion bodies in its intestinal cells. The exact impact of this adenovirus on the muskrat
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Wildlife Diseases
- Virology
Background:
- Muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus) are common North American rodents.
- Infectious diseases can impact wildlife populations, affecting their health and survival.
Observation:
- A moribund wild muskrat from Illinois presented with mild meningitis and pleuritis, likely bacterial.
- Intestinal enterocytes contained large, basophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies.
- Microscopic and ultrastructural analysis confirmed these inclusions were characteristic of adenoviruses.
Findings:
- The muskrat harbored an adenovirus infection, evidenced by characteristic intranuclear viral particles.
- The observed meningitis and pleuritis were likely secondary to other causes, possibly bacterial.
- The adenovirus infection was identified within the intestinal lining of the muskrat.
Implications:
- This finding represents a potential new host or geographical record for adenovirus in wild muskrats.
- Further research is needed to determine the pathogenicity and epidemiological significance of this adenovirus in muskrat populations.
- Understanding adenovirus prevalence in wildlife is crucial for ecological and conservation efforts.
