獣医科学と技術

Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita due to Toxoplasma gondii Infection in a Newborn Calf

Abstract

Anna Maria Fausta Marino, Maria Violetta Brundo, Renato Paolo Giunta, Fabrizio Scalzo, Tiziana Alfonzetti, Maurizio Percipalle and Antonio Salvaggio

Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC) includes various conditions of unclear etiology but in general any cause of reduced fetal movement may result in congenital contractures. Neurologic abnormalities appear as the most common causes of AMC (approximately 70% to 80% of all cases). This paper describes a case of clinical congenital toxoplasmosis in a newborn calf and suggests that the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii may also be responsible for AMC. In fact, a central nervous system involvement appears to be present in most cases of AMC and in this case the presence of Toxoplasma gondii in calf's brain was demonstrated through molecular biology examination and immunohistochemistry analysis.