The pathology of “sheep-associated” malignant catarrhal fever in the hamster

Lesions induced in hamsters by inoculation with the “sheep-associated” agents of malignant catarrhal fever (SA-MCF) isolated from a red deer ( Cervus elaphus), designated D/1 and of bovine origin (C/2), are described. Clinical signs in hamsters inoculated with the D/1 isolate occurred as early as 13 days after infection although the mean incubation period in animals that developed signs was 27 days. Increased numbers of polymorphonuclear leucocytes were present in the blood of clinically affected hamsters. Gross lesions included erosions of epithelium in the buccal cavity, haemorrhage of the forestomach, dilated fluid-filled intestines and enlargement of the mesenteric lymph node. Microscopic lesions were widespread throughout the body but had a predilection for epithelial surfaces. They consisted of hyperplasia of certain lymph nodes, vasculitis and interstitial accumulations of mononuclear cells of lymphoid appearance in non-lymphoid tissues. Cytolysis was also seen. Lesions produced by the C/2 isolate were similar and both isolates produced disease comparable with that seen in naturally occurring cases in cattle and deer. It is suggested that disease might arise through a dysfunction of the immune system following infection of host large granular lymphocytes by the SA-MCF agent, in a way similar to that suggested for the rabbit.