Pathological and bacteriological study of lobe distribution of lesions in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

The correlation between the bacteriological agent of buffalo pneumonia and its pathologic characteristics were investigated. In the present study, 333 samples of buffalo lungs in Iran were studied for pneumonial lesions and evidence of bacterial and viral infection. The type of pneumonia was classified as interstitial, fibrinous or purulent bronchopneumonia and the anatomical location of lesions was also recorded. In 201 samples with interstitial pneumonia, the lungs were found to be noticeably elastic, edematous and pale. Microscopically, thickening of the alveoli walls, hyperplasia and increased numbers of monocytes was seen. Lesions were mostly found in the right and left diaphragmatic lobes. The 55 samples with fibrinous bronchopneumonia were macroscopically bright and marbled and firm in texture. Thickening of the alveoli walls and large numbers of neutrophils were evident at the microscopic level, and the majority of lesions were located in the diaphragmatic lobes. Microscopically, a large number of neutrophils but few macrophages were seen. Of the 24 samples with purulent bronchopneumonia, most lesions were found in the left diaphragmatic lobe. The main bacteria that were isolated were: Pasturella spp, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas cuosis, Acinetobacter spp, Arcanobacterium pyogenes, Escherichia coli and Proteus spp. Given the importance of buffalo in milk and meat production for Khuzestan province, this study could be considered as a basis for future attempts to reduce buffalo mortality due to respiratory diseases.