Phenotypic Characterization of Encephalitis in the BRAINS of Badgers Naturally Infected with Canine Distemper Virus

The local immune response within the central nervous systems (CNSs) of seven badgers naturally infected with canine distemper virus (CDV) in Asturias (Atlantic Spain) was evaluated via immunohistochemistry. Microglia and astrocytes were the cell types present in the foci of gliosis, whereas T or B lymphocytes were absent. The knowledge gained in the field of the immunopathogenesis of diseases affecting the CNS could clarify CDV disease patterns in badgers. Canine distemper virus (CDV) affects a huge diversity of domestic and wild carnivores, with increasing numbers of mortality events worldwide. The local cell-mediated immune response elicited against a natural infection is an important factor in determining the outcome of CDV infection. Therefore, the purposes of this study were to describe the local immune response within the central nervous systems (CNSs) of seven badgers naturally infected with CDV in Asturias (Atlantic Spain) and to determine the phenotype and distribution of microglial cells, T and B lymphocytes, and astrocytes in the foci of gliosis located in the thalamus and cerebellum using immunohistochemistry. The immunohistochemical assessment demonstrated the presence of Iba1-positive microglia and GFAP-positive astrocytes in the foci of gliosis, whereas T (CD3-negative) or B (CD20-negative) lymphocytes in those same lesions were absent. Our results also revealed that the badgers with natural CDV encephalitis presented lesions mostly located in the white matter of the thalamus and cerebellum, suggesting a CDV-specific tropism for the white matter of badger brains in those locations. The knowledge gained in the field of the immunopathogenesis of distemper disease affecting the CNSs of badgers could help to clarify CDV disease patterns in this species.

Automated summary

Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate the local immune response in the central nervous systems of badgers naturally infected with canine distemper virus. The presence of microglia and astrocytes, but absence of lymphocytes, was observed in the gliosis foci.