Enteric coronavirus infection in a juvenile dromedary (Camelus dromedarius)

J Vet Diagn Invest. 2002 Sep;14(5):441-4. doi: 10.1177/104063870201400518.

Abstract

A case of an enteric coronavirus infection in a 6-week-old dromedary calf is described. The animal had diarrhea for 5 days and died despite symptomatic treatment. Numerous viral particles, approximately 140 nm in diameter, with club-like projections were detected in the feces by electron microscopy. These characteristics were consistent with a coronavirus. Immunohistochemical reactivity with 2 antigenic group II coronavirus-specific antibodies confirmed the presence of viral antigen in colonic epithelial cells. The death of the animal was attributed to a neutrophilic and emphysematous colitis that likely was caused by an infection with a Clostridium sp.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Camelus / virology*
  • Clostridium Infections / complications
  • Clostridium Infections / pathology
  • Colitis / complications
  • Colitis / pathology
  • Coronavirus / isolation & purification
  • Coronavirus / ultrastructure
  • Coronavirus Infections / diagnosis*
  • Coronavirus Infections / pathology
  • Coronavirus Infections / veterinary*
  • Coronavirus Infections / virology
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Feces / virology
  • Female
  • Intestinal Diseases / pathology
  • Intestinal Diseases / veterinary*
  • Intestinal Diseases / virology*