Diffuse granulomatous metritis in the dromedary. Histopathological findings

The AA. report a common type of metritis in Camelus dromedarius characterized by diffuse lymphocytic infiltrates and by granulomatous foci, consisting of small lymphocytes, histiocytes and reticular cells. No vessels were present within the granulomatous tissue which appeared surrounded by a thin, discontinuos and optically empty area. In the central area, there were epithelioid cells, gigant cells of Langhans and some necrotic foci. In addition, the uterine vascular layer showed an obliterating or dissecting arteritis. Although granulomatous infiltrates were located mainly in the submucosa, some occured in the adventitia as well, thus suggesting the possibility of haematogenous pathogenesis. However, the aetiology remains unknown, since specific stain for mycobacteria and fungy (Ziehl-Neelsen, Auramina 0 fluorescence) were negative. It has not possible to carry out cultural or biological tests.