A case of salmonella enteritidis meningoencephalitis and septic shock in a Panthera tigris cub.

A 15-day old female captive Panthera tigris cub was referred for necropsy. The animal was hospitalized after developing severe hyperthermia (40.8°C), depression and lack of appetite. The clinical condition rapidly worsened and the tiger cub died in 72 hours after developing a neurological syndrome, septic shock and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. The laboratory findings included leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia, mild regenerative anaemia, as well as increased liver and renal parameters. Main gross findings consisted of 1) severe and diffuse suppurative meningoencephalitis and ventriculitis with collection of purulent material between brain and cerebellum and in lateral ventricles; 2) diffuse fibrinous and haemorrhagic peritonitis 3) and serohaemorrhagic cystitis, confirmed by histology. Microscopically, the meninges, ependyma and choroid plexuses were diffusely expanded by abundant neutrophils and macrophages infiltration, with fewer lymphocytes and plasma cells and multifocal fibrinous exudation. The subpial and periventricular neuroparenchyma and areas of cerebral cortex were also severely involved. Molecular analyses with PCR method for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, Feline Herpesvirus type-1, Feline Coronavirus, Canine Distemper Virus and Neospora sp., were negative in lung, spleen, kidney and brain. Aerobic and anaerobic cultures performed on lung, pericardial effusion, intestine, kidney and CNS (meninges, encephalic lobes) reported the presence of Salmonella sp. serotyped as Salmonella enteritidis. Suspected sources of infections include environmental and nutritional contamination. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of Salmonella enteritidis meningoencefalitis in tiger cub, which highlights the need to identify the cause of acute perinatal death to reduce the risk of infectious disease outbreaks.