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Hematologic reference intervals for Rana sylvatica (Lithobates sylvaticus) and effect of infection with Frog Virus 3
María J Forzán1,2, Todd G Smith3, Raphaël V Vanderstichel4
1Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, PE, Canada. mforzan@upei.ca.
Veterinary Clinical Pathology
|August 27, 2016
Summary
This study establishes hematologic reference ranges for Wood Frogs (Rana sylvatica) and details how Frog Virus 3 (FV3) infection alters these blood parameters, revealing key changes in white blood cells and red blood cells.
Area of Science:
- Amphibian Hematology
- Wildlife Disease Research
- Ranavirus Infection
Background:
- Wood Frogs (Rana sylvatica) are vital models for amphibian infectious disease research.
- Established hematologic reference ranges (RIs) and infection responses are lacking for this species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine hematologic RIs for adult Wood Frogs.
- To identify hematologic alterations associated with Frog Virus 3 (FV3) infection.
Main Methods:
- Collected blood from 40 captive Wood Frogs for complete blood counts and differential analysis.
- Determined packed cell volume (PCV) and red blood cell (RBC) counts.
- Infected 13 frogs with FV3 and sampled at 4, 9, and 14 days postinfection (dpi).
Main Results:
- Leukocyte morphology was consistent with other amphibians and mammals, with lymphocytes as the most common WBC.
- FV3 infection induced neutrophilia, increased blast-like cells, and decreased basophils and lymphocytes (early dpi).
- Neutrophil toxicity and viral inclusion bodies in various leukocytes were observed from 9 dpi onwards.
Conclusions:
- Hematologic RIs for Rana sylvatica are now established.
- Significant hematologic changes were documented in response to lethal FV3 infection.
