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Rosell J, Máinez M, Didier ES, Bowers LC, Marco A, Juan-Sallés C. Encephalitozoon hellem infection in aviary passerine and psittacine birds in Spain. Vet Parasitol 2016; 219:57-60. [PMID: 26921040 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2016.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2015] [Revised: 01/26/2016] [Accepted: 01/29/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
A European goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis), a canary (Serinus canaria), and a lovebird (Agapornis roseicollis) captive-bred at three different private aviaries in Spain were submitted for necropsy with a history of weakness and ruffled feathers, weight loss associated with glossitis, and respiratory disease, respectively. Microscopically, enterocytes in the jejunum and ileum contained colonies of gram- and Stamp-positive, oval to elliptical microorganisms within parasitophorous vacuoles in the apical cytoplasm. Nested PCR using MSP primers that target microsporidian RNA genes produced amplicons of expected size for Encephalitozoon species, and analysis of forward and reverse DNA sequences confirmed the presence of Encephalitozoon hellem in all cases. The main cause of death of all three birds consisted of concurrent infections. However, intestinal encephalitozoonosis may have contributed to exacerbated catabolism. Encephalitozoonosis (or microsporidiosis) has been rarely described in passerine birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Rosell
- Noah's Path, Arquitecto Santiago Pérez Aracil 30 bajo, 03203 Elche, Alicante, Spain.
| | - M Máinez
- Centro Veterinario La Marina Exóticos, Arquitecto Santiago Pérez Aracil 30 bajo, 03203 Elche, Alicante, Spain
| | - E S Didier
- Division of Microbiology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, LA 70433, USA; Department of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - L C Bowers
- Department of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - A Marco
- UD Histologia i Anatomia Patològica, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - C Juan-Sallés
- Noah's Path, Arquitecto Santiago Pérez Aracil 30 bajo, 03203 Elche, Alicante, Spain
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Kašičková D, Sak B, Kváč M, Ditrich O. Sources of potentially infectious human microsporidia: Molecular characterisation of microsporidia isolates from exotic birds in the Czech Republic, prevalence study and importance of birds in epidemiology of the human microsporidial infections. Vet Parasitol 2009; 165:125-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2009.06.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2009] [Revised: 06/23/2009] [Accepted: 06/23/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Müller MG, Kinne J, Schuster RK, Walochnik J. Outbreak of microsporidiosis caused by Enterocytozoon bieneusi in falcons. Vet Parasitol 2007; 152:67-78. [PMID: 18166273 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2007.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2007] [Revised: 11/10/2007] [Accepted: 11/16/2007] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Four falcons from a private collection of 137 falcons in Abu Dhabi (UAE) died suddenly in summer 2005. In order to screen for a possible disease among the remaining falcons in the aviary, all other birds were caught, examined and treated if necessary. Most of the falcons suffered from massive lice infestation and 74 falcons additionally from a heavy Caryospora sp. burden. Endoscopy revealed yellowish plaques on intestines, livers or kidneys in 70 birds (51.1% morbidity). Proliferative serositis was seen in 17 out of 24 necropsied birds with plaques on intestines, livers or kidneys, which did not resemble any known disease in falcons. However, apart from 20 falcons, which died within a 6-week period after the initial examinations due to advanced disease stages, all other falcons responded well to the treatment with dimetridazole (Emtryl), indicating protozoal disease. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the presence of microsporidial antigen. The final diagnosis of Enterocytozoon (E.) bieneusi genotype D was confirmed with materials from 6 birds by PCR and sequencing. To our knowledge this is the first report of microsporidiosis caused by E. bieneusi in raptors in general and in falcons in particular. However, it is still unclear for how long E. bieneusi was present in the falcon flock, and which role it played in the development of the disease. Predisposing factors such as high temperature and overcrowding in the aviary induced immune suppression causing massive lice infestation as well as coccidiosis, thus paving the way for invasion with microsporidial spores.
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Affiliation(s)
- M G Müller
- Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, EAD, P.O. Box 45553, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
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Kasicková D, Sak B, Kvác M, Ditrich O. Detection of Encephalitozoon cuniculi in a new host--cockateel (Nymphicus hollandicus) using molecular methods. Parasitol Res 2007; 101:1685-8. [PMID: 17805572 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-007-0720-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2007] [Accepted: 08/08/2007] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
A total of 123 avian faecal specimens randomly collected in Bohemian commercial aviaries, Zoo parks and countryside were screened for the presence of human pathogenic microsporidia by both calcofluor M2R staining and polymerase chain reaction. Of these, no positive sample was detected using microscopical examination, and one isolate was detected by polymerase chain reaction and identified as Encephalitozoon cuniculi. Cockateel (Nymphicus hollandicus) represents a new avian host of this microsporidian.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Kasicková
- Faculty of Biological Science, University of South Bohemia, Ceské Budejovice, Czech Republic.
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Childs-Sanford SE, Garner MM, Raymond JT, Didier ES, Kollias GV. Disseminated microsporidiosis due to Encephalitozoon hellem in an Egyptian fruit bat (Rousettus aegyptiacus). J Comp Pathol 2006; 134:370-3. [PMID: 16709419 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2006.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2005] [Accepted: 01/03/2006] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Disseminated microsporidiosis was diagnosed in an adult female Egyptian fruit bat that died unexpectedly in a zoo. Gross findings, which were minimal, included poor body condition, bilateral renomegaly, and mottling of the liver. Histopathological lesions, which were particularly pronounced in the urogenital tract and liver, consisted primarily of inflammation associated with intracytoplasmic microsporidian spores. Polymerase chain reaction -based methods were used to establish the identity of the microsporidian as Encephalitozoon hellem. E. hellem is an emerging cause of human and avian disease, manifested mainly as opportunistic infection in immunosuppressed patients. This report describes the first documented case of E. hellem in a non-human mammalian species.
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Affiliation(s)
- S E Childs-Sanford
- Section of Wildlife Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
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Phalen DN, Logan KS, Snowden KF. Encephalitozoon hellem infection as the cause of a unilateral chronic keratoconjunctivitis in an umbrella cockatoo (Cacatua alba). Vet Ophthalmol 2006; 9:59-63. [PMID: 16409247 DOI: 10.1111/j.1463-5224.2005.00434.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
An umbrella cockatoo (Cacatua alba) was presented with a keratoconjunctivitis of 9 months' duration that was refractory to antibacterial and antifungal treatments. Microsporidian-type spores were observed in calcofluor M2R-stained cytological preparations of debrided corneal epithelium. Hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections of a conjunctival biopsy also showed a small number of intracellular parasites. Microsporidial DNA was detected by polymerase chain reaction in DNA extracted from the remaining biopsy material. Sequence analysis of the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene identified the microsporidium as Encephalitozoon hellem. The cockatoo was treated with oral albendazole for 3 months with resolution of the signs, and then again for 4 months when the signs returned. Since then, the bird has remained healthy for 2 years. This is the second report of a microsporidial keratoconjunctivitis in a bird, and the first report of an E. hellem infection in a cockatoo. Ophthalmologists should consider E. hellem as a possible cause of a keratoconjunctivitis in parrots that is refractory to treatment with traditional antimicrobials.
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Affiliation(s)
- David N Phalen
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4467, USA
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Barton CE, Phalen DN, Snowden KF. Prevalence of Microsporidian Spores Shed by Asymptomatic Lovebirds: Evidence for a Potential Emerging Zoonosis. J Avian Med Surg 2003. [DOI: 10.1647/2002-011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Pulparampil N, Graham D, Phalen D, Snowden K. Encephalitozoon hellem in two eclectus parrots (Eclectus roratus): identification from archival tissues. J Eukaryot Microbiol 1998; 45:651-5. [PMID: 9864855 DOI: 10.1111/j.1550-7408.1998.tb04562.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Members of the phylum Microspora are obligate, intracellular, single-celled parasites identified in a wide range of vertebrate and invertebrate hosts. Only a few cases of microsporidial infections have been documented in psittacine birds including peach-faced, masked, and Fischer's lovebirds (Agapornis roseicollis, A. personata, and A. fischeri, respectively), budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus), and a double yellow-headed Amazon parrot (Amazona ochrocephala). Parasite identification has typically been limited to phylum or genus, and no avian species of microsporidia has clearly been described. In this report, microsporidia were identified in the kidney and intestine of a new host, the eclectus parrot (Eclectus roratus). Parasites were identified as Encephalitozoon hellem using morphologic, ultrastructural, and small subunit ribosomal RNA gene sequence data obtained from archived tissues. This parasite species was first identified in immunocompromised humans and may be a potential zoonotic pathogen. The epidemiology and prevalence of this parasite in humans and birds should be further explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Pulparampil
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A & M University, College Station 77843-4467, USA
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Black SS, Steinohrt LA, Bertucci DC, Rogers LB, Didier ES. Encephalitozoon hellem in budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus). Vet Pathol 1997; 34:189-98. [PMID: 9163874 DOI: 10.1177/030098589703400303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Microsporidiosis with concurrent megabacteriosis in budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus) chicks contributed to significant economic floss in a commercial pet bird aviary in Mississippi. Three budgerigar chicks, 1-2 weeks old, from the aviary were necropsied. Microscopic lesions in the chicks consisted of heavy infection of enterocytes with microsporidia (2/3; autolysis precluded critical evaluation of the intestine of chick No. 2), multifocal hepatic necrosis and inflammation with intralesional microsporidia (1/3), spherical clusters of microsporidia in the hepatic sinusoids in the absence of inflammation (1/3), and gastric megabacteriosis (3/3). The ultrastructure of the microsporidian spores was consistent with an Encephalitozoon species. The polymerase chain reaction and Southern blot analysis were used to identify the microsporidian as Encephalitozoon hellem, an organism that has only been identified in humans. Encephalitozoon hellem causes keratoconjunctivitis and respiratory infections in humans with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. This report presents the first confirmed case of microsporidiosis in budgerigars. The finding of E. hellem in pet birds may be important in elucidating the epidemiology of human infections with this organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- S S Black
- Diagnostic Laboratory Services, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, MS, USA
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Hollister WS, Canning EU, Colbourn NI, Aarons EJ. Encephalitozoon cuniculi isolated from the urine of an AIDS patient, which differs from canine and murine isolates. J Eukaryot Microbiol 1995; 42:367-72. [PMID: 7620460 DOI: 10.1111/j.1550-7408.1995.tb01595.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
A species of Encephalitozoon has been isolated from the urine of a patient with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and maintained in vitro in Madin Darby Canine Kidney cells. When examined by random amplified polymorphic DNA polymerase chain reaction the new isolate was found to differ from E. hellem and to have amplified products in common with murine and canine E. cuniculi. However, it more closely resembled the canine than the murine isolate. Sodium dodecylsulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis differentiated between all three isolates of E. cuniculi, with a band at 42-45 kDa present in the murine isolate only, bands at 52 kDa present in the canine and human isolates but not the murine, and a single band at 60 kDa (murine) and 65 kDa (canine) replaced by two bands at 55 and 70 kDa in the human isolate. The 55 kDa and 70 kDa antigens were also revealed as characteristic bands of the human isolate by Western blotting. The study has thus revealed that the species Encephalitozoon cuniculi is not a homogeneous entity.
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Affiliation(s)
- W S Hollister
- Department of Biology, Imperial College of Science, Technology & Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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