Biochemical, anatomical and histopathological changes in the liver of Gallus gallus Linnaeus, 1758 experimentally infected by Borrelia anserine Sakharoff, 1891.

Abstract:

Spirochetosis avian is a septicemic disease of acute course and cosmopolitan can affect various avian species, caused by Borrelia anserina and transmitted by Argas miniatus. The experiment aimed to evaluate the biochemical, anatomical and histopathological changes in the liver of Gallus gallus caused by experimental infection with B. anserina. A total of 40 fowls of the species G. gallus were divided into four randomized groups of ten fowls each: G1 - inoculated with serum infected with B. anserina; G2 - inoculated with 0.9% saline; G3 - exposed to nymphs of 3rd instar of A. miniatus infected with B. anserina; G4 - exposed to ticks nymphs of 3rd instar of A. miniatus free of B. anserina. The fowls of Groups 1 and 3 expressed at 3 and 6 days post-inoculation (DAI) respectively , symptoms characteristic of the disease as lack of appetite , weight loss , drowsiness, greenish diarrhea, pale mucous membranes , ruffled feathers and hyperthermia. ALT of group 1 levels were significantly higher only at the 12º and 24º day after inoculation (DAI) compared with its control group (group 2), and in group 3 these levels remained high until the 20º DAI as compared with its control group (group 4). AST enzyme fluctuated little in the experimental groups, although elevations at 12ºDAI has been found in group 1 and 3. The liver of fowls in groups 1 and 3, presented at necropsy moderate hepatomegaly, congestion, irregular surface and red color to cyanotic. If found even small whitish spots on the surface. The histopathology revealed congestion, mononuclear inflammatory infiltrates, fibrinoid necrotic foci, dilatation of sinusoids, and vacuolation of hepatocytes. The Warthin-Starry staining revealed in the liver of fowls in groups 1 and 3 the presence of spirochetes compatible with B. anserina, often within blood vessels.

Index Terms:
Liver; Gallus gallus; Borrelia anserina; spirochetosis; tick borne diseases; domestic chicken; serum biochemistry; histopathology.