Ocular encephalitozoonosis (nosematosis) in blue foxes. Polyarteritis nodosa and cataract

In young blue foxes an association has previously been established between the protozoon Encephalitozoon (Nosema) cuniculi and generalized arterial lesions of the polyarteritis nodosa type. The same vascular changes are found in the posterior ciliary arteries and their intraocular branches of these foxes. Most of the eyes which are thus affected, have a severe cataract. The parasite can easily be demonstrated both in the arteries and the lenses. It is thought that the Encephalitozoon is the cause of the vascular lesions and the cataract, and that possibly an autoimmune reaction is involved.