Cerebrospinal nematodosis caused by Parelaphostrongylus species in an adult bull. (May 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: MacKay, Evelyn E.; Fratzke, Alycia P.; Gerhold, Richard W.; Porter, Brian F.; Washburn, Kevin E.
• Is Part Of: Journal of veterinary diagnostic investigation. Volume 32:Number 3(2020:May)
• Page Start: 486
• Page End: 489
• Publication Date: 2020-05
• Subjects: cattle -- DNA sequencing -- meningeal worm -- nematodosis -- Parelaphostrongylus tenuis -- PCR; Veterinary medicine -- Diagnosis -- Periodicals; 636.0896075
• DOI: 10.1177/1040638720915530
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1040-6387

Abstract

A 2-y-old Brahman bull was presented with progressive hindlimb ataxia and paraparesis that led to recumbency. Postmortem examination revealed scattered pinpoint, red-brown foci within the brainstem and gray matter of the spinal cord, and a larger lesion within the spinal cord at the level of T13. Histology of the section of T13 contained cross-sections of nematodes consistent with Parelaphostrongylus tenuis . Evidence of inflammation was present in other affected areas of the spinal cord and brain. DNA extraction and nested PCR were performed, which demonstrated 98% identity and 100% coverage to both P. tenuis and P. andersoni . Our case highlights the utility of DNA sequencing in parasite identification.