Endogenous lipid pneumonia in opossum (Didelphis virginiana) captured in the state of Colima, Mexico

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Luis Jorge García Márquez
Rubén Arturo López Crespo
Alfonso López Mayagoitia
Omar Francisco Prado Rebolledo

Abstract

Endogenous lipid pneumonia was found in 11 out of 15 (73.3%) opossums (Didelphis virginiana) captured in six municipalities from the state of Colima, Mexico. Macroscopically, multifocal yellow white subpleural plaques were found in the dorsocaudal region of both lungs. These lesions were extended to the pulmonary parenchyma. Microscopically, they were characterized by aggregates of macrophages in the alveolar walls and spaces. These macrophages had small lipid vacuoles in the cytoplasm. Also, hyperplasia of pneumocytes type II, perivascular lymphoid hyperplasia, emphysema and fibrosis were discovered. Based on these findings, endogenous lipid pneumonia was diagnosed, which seemed to be associated in 11 (73.3%) opossums with the presence of Didelphostrongylus hayesi in lungs.
Keywords:
Opossum Didelphis virginiana Endogenous lipid pneumonia Didelphostrongylus hayesi

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