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Concurrent infection with bovine leukaemia virus and Theileria annulata in a Friesian calf

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Abstract

Concurrent infection with bovine leukaemia virus (BLV) and Theileria annulata was diagnosed in a Friesian calf about 6 months of age at a dairy farm at the Qassim region of central Saudi Arabia. The disease ended fatally with signs of liver and heart failure. There was anorexia, pyrexia, anaemia, generalized oedema and jaundice. Haematology showed low RBC counts, PCV percentage and haemoglobin concentration and WBC counts. Lymphocyte differential was high. Examination of blood smears stained with Giemsa’s stain showed the presence of piroplasms in red blood cells. Autopsy showed enlarged lymph nodes and lymphosarcoma lesions in the omentum and the heart. There was hydroperitoneum, hydropericardium and hydrothorax. The liver was pale yellow and friable. Impression smears from sliced lymph nodes and stained with Giemsa’s stain showed presence of Koch’s blue bodies in lymphoblasts. Histopathological examination revealed fatty degeneration of hepatocytes and pleomorphic lymphoblasts and giant cells in lymph nodes. Lymphoblasts infiltrated the omentum and heart tissues. Amyloid was found around blood vessels in the liver, kidneys and lymph nodes. BVL infection was diagnosed by demonstrating antibodies against the virus in serum using agar gel immunodiffusion and was confirmed with ELISA.

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Abbreviations

AGID:

agar gel immunodiffusion test

BLV:

bovine leukaemia virus

CBC:

complete blood count

OD:

optical density

PCV:

packed cell volume

RBC:

red blood cell

TMB:

3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine

WBC:

white blood cell

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, P.O. Box 1482, Buraidah, Saudi Arabia

    M. Al-Dubaib, O. H. Omer, O. M. Mahmoud & M. E. Hashad

Authors
  1. M. Al-Dubaib
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  2. O. H. Omer
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  3. O. M. Mahmoud
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  4. M. E. Hashad
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Correspondence to M. Al-Dubaib.

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Al-Dubaib, M., Omer, O.H., Mahmoud, O.M. et al. Concurrent infection with bovine leukaemia virus and Theileria annulata in a Friesian calf. Trop Anim Health Prod 39, 91–95 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-006-4393-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-006-4393-5

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