Experimental Infection with BVD Virus in Pregnant Does with Emphasis on Pathological and Hormonal Changes

Nine healthy pregnant does free from BVD neutralizing antibodies were I/V and I/P inoculated with two cytopathic strains of BVD virus (NADL-camel) at about 65 days of gestation. In NADL strain of BVDV group, abortion occurred in 3 out of 5 virus inoculated does on 7, 17 and 21 days post inoculation (PI) . The mean serum progesterone values of pregnant does significantly decreased on days 7(P<0.01) and 14(P<0.05) PI. In camel strain of BVDV group, 1 of 4 aborted on day 65 PI. The progesterone values significantly decreased on 14(P<0.05), 21-42(P<0.01) and 49-70(P<0.05) days PI. The microscopical examination of placenta of aborted does revealed focal areas of necrosis associated with calcification of both cells of layer chorioallantioc villi. Meanwhile, the uterus of aborted does showed intensive aggregation of neutrophils in decidua basalis of endometrium. Moreover, ovaries of aborted cases displayed luteolytic changes of almost lutein cells of copora lutea. Multiple interstitial foci of lymphocytic cell aggregation, associated with intraluminal accumulation of leukocytes mainly neutrophils was seen in mammary gland. The immunofluorescent results revealed presence of viral antigen in the tissue of placenta and spleen . On the other hand, the histopathological picture of reproductive organs of camel strain of BVDV was similar to that of NADL strain group, but was somewhat mild in severity. It could be concluded that goats are susceptible to BVD virus infection. Also, BVD virus had adverse effects on reproductive performance of goats. Immmunofluorescent technique is a valuable and confirmative tool in diagnosis of BVD virus infection.