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Collection and Processing of Lymph Nodes from Large Animals for RNA Analysis: Preparing for Lymph Node Transcriptomic Studies of Large Animal Species
Published on: May 19, 2018
Zygomycotic lymphadenitis in slaughtered feedlot cattle
1California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory, University of California-Davis, West Health Sciences Drive, Davis, CA 95616, USA. jortega@uch.ceu.es
Veterinary Pathology
|January 19, 2010
Summary
Zygomycotic lymphadenitis, a fungal infection, was identified in feedlot steers in California. This study highlights the importance of considering zygomycosis in cattle with granulomatous lymphadenitis.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Mycology
- Bovine Diseases
Background:
- Zygomycotic lymphadenitis is a rare fungal infection affecting cattle lymph nodes.
- Bovine tuberculosis surveillance programs can identify other significant cattle diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize zygomycotic lymphadenitis in feedlot steers identified during bovine tuberculosis surveillance.
- To identify the fungal agents responsible for lymphadenitis in affected cattle.
Main Methods:
- Necropsy and histological examination of mesenteric lymph nodes from feedlot steers.
- Fungal culture and DNA amplification and sequencing from affected lymph nodes.
Main Results:
- Zygomycotic lymphadenitis was diagnosed in 194 of 198 steers (0.04% of cattle slaughtered).
- Grossly, affected lymph nodes were enlarged with granular or caseocalcareous foci; histologically, necrosis and granulomatous inflammation were observed.
- Fungal DNA identified Rhizomucor pusillus (16 cases) and Absidia corymbifera (4 cases); fungal cultures were negative.
Conclusions:
- Zygomycosis is an important differential diagnosis for granulomatous lymphadenitis in feedlot steers.
- Molecular methods are crucial for diagnosing zygomycosis when fungal cultures are unrewarded.
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