Background neuro-histopathological lesions in Indian buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

Brains of 321 buffaloes, aged 5-7 years and of either sex, were collected randomly during routine slaughter for generating baseline data on neurohistopathological lesions. Brains (124/321 (38.62%)) showed microscopic lesions: chromatolysis of neurons in 5 (1.56%), ischemic neurons in 29 (9.03%), Lafora bodies in 1 (0.31%), neuromelanins in 45 (14.01%), engorgement of vasculature in 17 (5.30%), haemorrhages in 25 (7.79%), vasogenic oedema of axonic tracts in 2 (0.62%), proteinaceous globules in vascular lumen in 3 (0.93%), vacuolation of white matter in 11 (3.42%), neuropil vacuolation in 2 (0.62%), perivascular cuffing in 46 (14.33%), vasculitis in 5 (1.56%), microgliosis in 58 (18.06%), nonsuppurative meningoencephalitis in 5 (1.56%), neuronophagic nodule in 1 (0.31%), satellitosis in 5 (1.56%), astrogliosis in 4 (1.25%), oligodendrogliosis in 3 (0.93%), subependymal gliosis in 2 (0.62%), parasitic infestation in 1 (0.31%), and pineal gland calcification in 22/54 (40%) cases. The lesions were present either singly or in combination, being maximum in rostral colliculi followed by cerebrum and the caudate nucleus, while other sites also showed similar combination of lesions. Though several kinds of lesions were recorded, yet a case of Lafora bodies seems to be the first report in this species. Neuromelanins and perivascular cuffing were the most frequently occurring lesions. The lesions were incidental in nature as there was no history of nervous symptoms in these cases. BSE was not detected in any buffalo.