Cutaneous Pythiosis in calves: An epidemiologic, pathologic, serologic and molecular characterization

Abstract

This study reports the epidemiological, pathological and mycological findings of cutaneous pythiosis in cattle in southern Brazil. 23 calves, that were kept next to a river with extensive marshy regions, presented ulcerated cutaneous lesions in thoracic and pelvic limbs, sometimes extending to the ventral thoracic region. Histopathological examination revealed multifocal pyogranulomas in the superficial and deep dermis. The Grocott-Methenamine silver, immunohistochemistry anti-Pythium insidiosum, ELISA serology and molecular characterization demonstrated the agent P. insidiosum in these cases.

Keywords

• Cattle
• Diagnostic methods
• Marshy regions
• Pyogranulomatous lesions
• Phytium insidiosum