Brain lesions associated with infectious kerato-conjunctivitis in chamois and Alpine ibex

Abstract

Twenty-five Chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) and 8 Alpine ibex (Capra ibex ibex) with infectious keratoconjunctivitis were captured in the Gran Paradiso National Park. Only seven chamois and 4 alpine ibex showed signs of nervousness. The histopatological findings showed that 12 chamois and 4 ibex were affected by inflammatory alterations of the brain, represented by: foci of nono-purulent leptomeningitis as small accumulations of mononuclear cells; perivascular cuffings in the cerebral hemispheres; severe infiltration of lymphocytes in the choroid plexus fo the cerebral ventricles. The non-purulent morphology of the inflammation might be a consequence of the action of the primary pathogenic agent (Mycoplasma, Chlamydia or Rickettsia).