Acute and Fatal Herpesvirus Infection in a Young Asian Elephant (<i>Elephas maximus</i>)

Abstract

Infections with herpesviruses may cause papillomatous lesions in the as well as in the African elephant.* In both, the virus was reported to localize only in the skin. Disseminated nodules of epithelial cells were found in the lungs ofa high percentage ofwild African elephant^.^ In these cases, the proliferated cells contained intranuclear inclusion bodies in which herpesvirus particles were observed by electron microscopy. The virus, however, caused no illness, and there was no generalization. We report the necropsy findings of a juvenile Asian elephant dying peracutely from massive generalized hemorrhage due to lesions in the endothelial cells of the capillaries. The cell nuclei frequently contained inclusion bodies in which herpesvirus particles were demonstrated. This has not been described in elephants before. A 920 kg, 3-year-old female Asian circus elephant showed signs of depression after she had participated in a parade in the morning. She ate normally at midday, but in the evening, a veterinarian was consulted because she was unable to move her trunk properly. Examination revealed dullness, a cyanotic, swollen tongue, and a swelling of the ventral neck and face around the eyes. Any attempt to drink failed, for she could not raise her trunk to her mouth, and any aspirated water was released. The rectal temperature was normal. The heart beat, even with the aid of a stethoscope, was not discernable. She then became excitable, and slapped her trunk from side to side as if in pain. Sodium novaminsulfon (an analgesic and spasmolytic agent, 5,000 mg) given subcutaneously, along with 150 mg etilefrine (an analeptic agent), seemed to provide some relief. Less than 2 hours following the onset of definite symptoms, she collapsed, rolled over, and died. The most striking pathologic changes were extensive hemorrhages particularly in the heart, in the musculature of the trunk, and the stomach, as well as in the small and large intestines. In some areas, a cross section of the gut wall presented a thick central, reddish zone. The subcutaneous tissues of the head, neck, and rump were also severely affected. The musculature of the extremities, the cut surfaces of the lung