A Case of Neonatal Calf Diarrhea Associated with Natural Infection with Rotavirus

Abstract

A case of neonatal calf diarrhea associated with natural infection with rotavirus was investigated morphologically. No obvious gross lesions could be seen. Histologic examination revealed degeneration and desquamation of epithelial cells near the tips of villi in the small intestine, and degenetation and necrosis of follicle-associated epithelial cells in the ileum. Electron microscopically, atrophy and loss of microvilli, and budding of virus particles into cisternae of rough endoplasmic reticulum and tubular structures were observed. Among the changes observed, the presence of the tubular structures appeared to be characteristic of viral infection.