Immunohistochemistry of parasitic subepidermal vesiculobullous disease in American badgers (Taxidea taxus)

Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory, Laramie 82070.

Some populations of free-ranging American badgers (Taxidea taxus) develop a distinctive seasonal dermatitis due to the subcutaneous filariid Filaria taxideae. Subepidermal vesicles that contain filarial ova develop in thinly haired skin of the inguinal area, proximal thigh, and ventral abdomen. The purpose of this study was to establish by immunohistochemistry whether basement membrane components colocalized with the roof or floor of vesicles and to confirm that filarial ova occur in intradermal vessels. Samples of skin with characteristic F. taxideae-induced subepidermal vesicles were collected from 10 adult male (n = 8) and female (n = 2) badgers. Samples were fixed in formalin for 1-4 days and processed routinely into paraffin wax. Immunohistochemical staining for basement membrane was attempted with anti-collagen IV antibodies (AM168-5M, AR079-5R, AB748) and antilaminin antibodies (MA078-5C, AR078-5R, L-9393). Optimal results in skin from badgers were obtained using a biotin-streptavidin technique and AR079-5R (anti-human collagen IV) and AR078-5R (anti-murine laminin). There was positive staining of the floor of vesicles in 5 of 6 badgers tested with antibodies to laminin and collagen IV. In 5/10 badgers, filarial ova and first stage F. taxideae larvae were found in dilated vascular channels of the upper dermis, and these vessels stained positively for factor VIII-related antigen. The results suggest that F. taxideae-induced subepidermal separation occurs consistently in the lamina lucida portion of the basal lamina and that filarial ova occur in dermal vessels.