First report of immunohistochemical detection of Peste des petit ruminants, parainfluenza 3 and respiratory syncytial viral antigens in lungs of Nigerian goats.

This study determined the of involvement of PPR, PI3, and RS viruses in the pathology of caprine pneumonia across Nigeria. 150 goats were selected randomly. PI3 and RSV monoclonal antibodies and PPR polyclonal antibody were used for the immunolocalization of the antigens. Histologically, 61 of the goats had broncho-interstitial pneumonia, 25 had interstitial pneumonia, 42 had bronchopneumonia, 12 had bronchiolitis, and 10 were normal. PPR, PI3, and RS viral antigens were demonstrated in: intact and desquamated bronchial, bronchiolar epithelial cells, macrophages, leukocytes, pneumocytes, and giant cells. 23% of the caprine lungs had positive immuno-staining to PI3 viral antigen, 10% were positive for RSV antigen while 34% were positive for PPR viral antigen. 8% showed immunostaining for the two and or three respiratory viral antigens in the goats. PI3 and RSV antigens were more in the young goats, red sokoto breed and during the dry season. This is the first report of immunohistochemical detection of PPR, PI3 and RS viral antigens in caprine lungs in Nigeria. These findings underscore the importance of PI3 and RSV viruses in the control of caprine pneumonia in Nigeria.