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Bovine fetal cerebral absidiomycosis
Sabouraudia
|November 1, 1975
Summary
A rare case of fetal cerebral mycosis in cattle was identified, caused by Absidia corymbifera. Despite the infection, fetal antibodies against the fungus were not detected, suggesting a complex immune response.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Mycology
- Immunology
Background:
- Fungal infections in bovine fetuses are uncommon.
- Absidia corymbifera is a known opportunistic pathogen.
Observation:
- One case of fetal cerebral mycosis was diagnosed in 4015 aborted bovine fetuses.
- The infection was associated with severe brain lesions including vasculitis, thrombosis, abscessation, and cavitation.
Findings:
- Absidia corymbifera was identified as the causative agent.
- No antibodies against A. corymbifera or other fungal antigens were detected in fetal serum using immunodiffusion.
- Elevated levels of Immunoglobulin G (IgG) were found in the fetal serum via radial-immunodiffusion assay.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for Absidia corymbifera to cause severe fetal disease in cattle.
- The absence of detectable antibodies despite infection suggests potential immune evasion strategies by the fungus or limitations in fetal immune response.
- Further research is needed to understand the pathogenesis and immune response to fetal cerebral mycosis in cattle.