Published in Scientific Works. Series C. Veterinary Medicine, Vol. LXIX, Issue 2
Written by Georgeta DINESCU, Elvira GAGNIUC, Gabriel TOMESCU
Marek's Disease is an oncogenic disease that affects both commercial and backyard poultry, caused by Alphaherpesvirus. Lymphoproliferative syndromes are characterized by lymphoma and are most commonly represented by T lymphocyte proliferation, with involvement of several visceral organs. Six poultry from the same population, aged between 1-12 years, non-vaccinated, have been examined after death. The following investigations have been done: gross examination, histopathology, immunohistochemistry (anti-CD3 antibody for T-lymphocytes and anti-PAX5 antibody for B-lymphocytes), and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Macroscopically, all the poultry presented hepatic tumour nodules, along with tumoral enlargement of the sciatic nerve. Inconsistently, neoplasms in other organs, such as the spleen, heart, pharynx, and ovary, have been observed. The histopathological findings on the tumour mass showed a proliferation of small to large lymphocytes. Tumour cells were characterized by large pleomorphic nuclei with prominent nucleoli. The immunophenotype of transformed cells was identified as CD3 positive by immunohistochemistry; in contrast, PAX5 was negative. Virus presence confirmation was achieved through PCR. In conclusion, Marek's Disease can manifest in chronic form, at any age, being characterized by pleomorphic lymphocytic infiltration on a systemic involvement.
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