Use of immunohistochemistry and prion protein gene genotyping for detection of Scrapie in sheep in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil

ABSTRACT: Scrapie is a contagious disease of sheep and goats caused by prions (PrPSc). This study described an outbreak in the state Santa Catarina, Brazil. An 1-year 3-month-old developed clinical signs characterized motor incoordination pelvic limbs, pruritus alopecia for three days. The 38 from flock that were over 1 year age underwent biopsies third eyelid rectal mucosa, addition to anti-PrPsc immunohistochemistry (IHC). Blood containing EDTA was collected PRNP gene genotyping these sheep. Of 38, 16 (42.10%) had immunostaining againstPrPSc. IHC-positive animals euthanized necropsied, as well lambs positive mothers. Different organs 19 necropsied 10% buffered formalin histopathological examination anti-PrPSc IHC obex. histopathology obex female with neurological presented discrete multifocal vacuolization cytoplasm neurons neuropil. showed two out samples cytoplasmic neurons. genotypes reported ARQ/ARQ 47.36%, ARR/ARQ 36.84%, ARQ/VRQ 10.52% ARQ/VRR 5.28%. helps identify susceptible select more resistant development Scrapie. lymphoid biopsies, demonstrated high number classified group.