Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat with skin lesions and eye problems from dual virus infection
By Wiener, Dominique J et al.·Published in Veterinary dermatology·2013·Institute of Animal Pathology·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Cutaneous lesions associated with dual infection caused by canine distemper virus and orthopoxvirus in a domestic cat.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A 5-year-old neutered male cat was brought to the vet with red, crusty, and ulcerated skin around his left eye, along with severe itching and conjunctivitis (eye inflammation). Tests revealed that he was infected with both canine distemper virus (CDV) and orthopoxvirus (OPXV), which are unusual but possible dual infections in cats. The vet performed a skin biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment details weren't specified, but recognizing these infections can help guide appropriate care.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND: Within the context of an increased epidemiological pressure caused by canine distemper virus (CDV) in Switzerland together with a potential re-emergence of endemic pathogens such as orthopoxviruses (OPXV), dual infections are possible among susceptible species. OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of concurrent CDV and OPXV infection in a cat. ANIMAL: A 5-year-old, neutered male cat was presented with erythema, crusts and ulcerations around the left eye. High-grade pruritus and a severe conjunctivitis were also present. METHODS: Formalin-fixed skin biopsy samples were obtained from lesional skin. Histopathology, CDV immunohistochemistry and CDV and OPXV RT-PCR were performed. RESULTS: Histopathological examination showed severe epidermal necrosis extending to the follicular walls and a dermal infiltration, predominantly eosinophilic. Intranuclear and intracytoplasmic eosinophilic inclusion bodies were visible in the wall of affected hair follicles, with occasional formation of syncytia. The RT-PCR revealed the contextual presence of both CDV and OPXV. Scattered cells stained positive for CDV by immunohistochemistry. CONCLUSION AND DISCUSSION: Dual infections with CDV and OPXV, although rare, may occur and represent additional differential diagnoses for ulcerative skin lesions in cats.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23869471/