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Encephalitozoonosis in arctic lemmings
1National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA 50010.
Laboratory Animal Science
|July 1, 1989
Summary
Encephalitozoonosis, a parasitic infection, was diagnosed in arctic lemmings for the first time. This disease caused neurological and physical symptoms, leading to death in affected animals.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Parasitology
- Arctic Wildlife Biology
Background:
- Encephalitozoonosis is a microsporidian infection affecting various animals.
- Its presence in arctic lemming populations was previously undocumented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the first identification of Encephalitozoonosis in arctic lemmings.
- To describe the clinical and pathological findings associated with this infection.
Main Methods:
- Necropsy and histopathological examination of arctic lemmings.
- Identification of protozoan cysts using light and electron microscopy.
Main Results:
- Encephalitozoonosis confirmed in Dicrostonyx stevensoni and its crosses.
- Clinical signs included circling, torticollis, paralysis, depression, and blindness.
- Parasitic granulomas, containing Encephalitozoon cysts, were prevalent in the central nervous system and other tissues.
- Cysts were also observed within vascular endothelium.
Conclusions:
- Encephalitozoonosis represents a novel disease threat to arctic lemming populations.
- The pathology involves widespread granulomatous inflammation and parasitic cysts.
- Further research is needed to understand transmission and impact on lemming ecology.