neonatal bacterial suppurative meningitis as a cause of seizure in calves: diagnostic approach

Inflammation of the meninges is usually in associated with bacterial infections including escherichia coli, mycoplasma bovis, streptococcus bovis. meningitis , in most cases, presented by fever, hyperesthesia, neck rigidity, and painful paraspinal muscle spasms. as the disease progresses, seizure may develops. calves are more susceptible to this condition due to immature immune system and incomplete blood-barrier. the case fatality rate in calves with bacterial meningitis has been reported to be up to 100%, which imposes a dramatic economic loss on industries. ten holstein breed neonates from a dairy farm, ranging 1week to 1 month, were clinically examined because of presenting signs compromising hyperthermia, seizure and death. necropsy of 2 dead bodies were conducted after csf collection for further evaluation such as cytology and microbial culture. at necropsy, specimens from cerebrum and bone marrow were obtained in order to microbial culture in laboratory. tissue samples of all depending organs were harvested and prepared for histopathologic investigation. laboratory examination of csf revealed color changing and turbidity of extracted fluid. cytology showed considerably increase in cellular content including neutrophil (80%) and abundant numbers of coccobacillary bacteria. escherichia coli have been isolated from culture samples. microscopically, presence of fibrinopurulent exudate through meninges were detected in brain sections. histopathologic findings confirmed severe fibrinopurulent meningitis in both carcasses specimens. affected animals presented various degrees of this condition, most probably occurred as a sequela of umbilical infection and septicemic colibacillosis. prevention, effective disinfection, reliable diagnostic methods which in case is the analysis of csf and early recognition of bacterial meningitis in neonates of farm animals could be a key to manage mortality and economical damage. appropriate medication depending on severity of clinical signs and according to microbial culture could reduce the fatality rate in farm.