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Cutaneous malakoplakia in pigs inoculated with Rhodococcus equi
H Madarame1, H Matsuda, M Okada
1Laboratory of Experimental Animal Science, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Kitasato University, Towada, Aomori, Japan. madarame@azabu-u.ac.jp
FEMS Immunology and Medical Microbiology
|January 8, 1999
Summary
Cutaneous malakoplakia, a skin condition, was identified in pigs experimentally infected with Rhodococcus equi. This study establishes a swine model for investigating malakoplakia development and Michaelis-Gutmann bodies.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Microbiology
- Immunohistochemistry
Background:
- Malakoplakia is a rare inflammatory condition characterized by macrophages with specific inclusions.
- Rhodococcus equi is a known pathogen, primarily causing pneumonia in foals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the first instance of cutaneous malakoplakia in domestic animals.
- To investigate the association between Rhodococcus equi infection and malakoplakia.
- To establish an experimental swine model for studying malakoplakia pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Pigs were inoculated intramuscularly with Rhodococcus equi strains.
- Macroscopic, histopathological, and histochemical analyses were performed on skin lesions.
- Immunohistochemical staining was used to characterize intracellular inclusions (Michaelis-Gutmann bodies).
Main Results:
- Cutaneous malakoplakia developed at inoculation sites, showing indurated swelling and abscess formation.
- Histopathology revealed histiocytic granulomatous inflammation with macrophages containing Michaelis-Gutmann bodies.
- Michaelis-Gutmann bodies stained positively with von Kossa and PAS methods and reacted with specific antibodies.
Conclusions:
- This study documents experimental cutaneous malakoplakia in pigs induced by Rhodococcus equi.
- It provides immunohistochemical evidence linking R. equi infection to malakoplakia.
- The developed swine model is valuable for future research on malakoplakia morphogenesis.