MICROSPORIDIA AS CAUSE OF ABORTIONS IN CA TTLE

Two approximately two-year-old Holstein Frisian heifers aborted 7-mont h-old fetuses. Known agents causing bovine abortions were not found by bacteriological examinations. In both cases, however a large number o f microsporidia, probably Encephalitozoon cuniculi (E.c.) were detecte d by immunohistochemical techniques. In both cases microsporidia were detected in spots of focal necrosis in the placentas and a slight nons uppurative encephalitis was present. The organisms were also detected in liver, kidneys, heart, abomasus, small intestine, and in the lungs of the fetuses. Irt one fetus pericarditis and thyreoiditis were also observed and organisms found. The results suggest that in both cases m icrosporidia were the cause of abortions. An intrauterin infection wit h microsporidia should be included in the differential diagnosis of bo vine abortions.