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Ii T, Chambers JK, Uneyama M, Sumi A, Nakayama Y, Tsurita N, Miwa Y, Uchida K. Central nervous system mycobacteriosis caused by Mycobacterium genavense in degus ( Octodon degus). Vet Pathol 2024; 61:119-124. [PMID: 37313806 DOI: 10.1177/03009858231179094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Degus (Octodon degus) that were kept at a breeding facility presented with neurological or respiratory symptoms and died. Necropsies were performed on 9 individuals, and no significant gross lesions were found. Histologically, spinal cord necrosis was observed in all 9 cases and granulomatous myelitis in 5 of the 9 cases. Locally extensive necrosis of the brain and encephalitis were observed in 7 of the 9 cases. Acid-fast bacteria were found in the spinal cords, brains, and lungs from all 9 cases. Immunohistochemically, Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigen was observed in the spinal cords, brains, and lungs from all 9 cases. Double-labeling immunofluorescence revealed M. tuberculosis antigen in IBA1- and myeloperoxidase-immunopositive cells. Extracted genomic DNA from 8 of the 9 cases was successfully amplified with the primers for Mycobacterium genavense ITS1 and hypothetical 21 kDa protein genes, and the polymerase chain reaction products were identified as M. genavense by DNA sequencing. This report highlights the susceptibility of degus to M. genavense infection in the central nervous system.
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Rinder M, Baas N, Hagen E, Drasch K, Korbel R. Canary Bornavirus ( Orthobornavirus serini) Infections Are Associated with Clinical Symptoms in Common Canaries ( Serinus canaria dom.). Viruses 2022; 14:v14102187. [PMID: 36298742 PMCID: PMC9607494 DOI: 10.3390/v14102187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
While parrot bornaviruses are accepted as the cause of proventricular dilatation disease (PDD) in psittacine birds, the pathogenic role of bornaviruses in common canaries is still unclear. To answer the question of whether canary bornaviruses (species Orthobornavirus serini) are associated with a PDD-like disease in common canaries (Serinus canaria f. dom.), the clinical data of 201 canary bird patients tested for bornaviruses using RT-PCR assays, were analyzed for the presence of PDD-like gastrointestinal or central nervous system signs and for other viruses (mainly circovirus and polyomavirus), yeasts and trichomonads. Canary bornavirus RNA was detected in the clinical samples of 40 out of 201 canaries (19.9%) coming from 28 of 140 flocks (20%). All nucleotide sequences obtained could unequivocally be determined as canary bornavirus 1, 2, or 3 supporting the current taxonomy of the species Orthobornavirus serini. PDD-like signs were found associated with canary bornavirus detection, and to a lesser extent, with circoviruses detection, but not with the detection of polyomaviruses, yeasts or trichomonads. The data indicate that canary bornaviruses contribute to a PDD-like disease in naturally infected canaries, and suggest a promoting effect of circoviruses for the development of PDD-like signs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Rinder
- Clinic for Birds, Small Mammals, Reptiles and Ornamental Fish, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, University of Munich, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Noreen Baas
- Clinic for Birds, Small Mammals, Reptiles and Ornamental Fish, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, University of Munich, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Hagen
- Clinic for Birds, Small Mammals, Reptiles and Ornamental Fish, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, University of Munich, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Katrin Drasch
- Institute of Sociology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Korbel
- Clinic for Birds, Small Mammals, Reptiles and Ornamental Fish, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, University of Munich, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany
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Schmidt V, Köhler H, Heenemann K, Möbius P. Mycobacteriosis in Various Pet and Wild Birds from Germany: Pathological Findings, Coinfections, and Characterization of Causative Mycobacteria. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0045222. [PMID: 35852339 PMCID: PMC9430480 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00452-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
A total of 50 birds diagnosed with mycobacteriosis were examined for pathomorphological lesions, coinfections, and causative agents. Mycobacterial species were identified and isolates differentiated using multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and mycobacterial interspersed repetitive-unit variable-number of tandem-repeat (MIRU-VNTR) analysis. Possible associations between mycobacterial species, pathomorphological findings, coinfections, bird orders, and husbandry conditions were evaluated statistically. Mycobacteria were isolated from 34 birds (13 of 22 Psittaciformes, 12 of 18 Passeriformes, five of six Columbiformes, and four other orders) belonging to 26 species in total. Mycobacterium genavense (Mg) was cultured from 15 birds, Mycobacterium avium subsp. avium (Maa) from 20 birds, and Mycobacterium avium subsp. hominissuis (Mah) from three birds; hence, four birds had mixed infections. About equal numbers of psittacines and passerines were infected with Ma and Mg. The genetic diversity differed; Mg isolates belonged to one MLST type, Maa to six, and Mah to three combined genotypes. Several coinfections were detected; viruses and/or endoparasites affected 44%, fungi 38%, and bacteria 29% of the birds. Pathological findings and mycobacteriosis-affected organs were independent of coinfections. Overall, gross pathological findings were more often seen in mycobacteriosis caused by Ma (95%) compared with Mg (66%). Organ distribution of mycobacteriosis was independent of the mycobacterial species. Pathomorphological changes were seen in the small intestine of 71% and the lung of 65% of the birds, suggesting oral or pulmonal ingestion of mycobacteria. There were no associations between mycobacterial species and bird orders or bird husbandry conditions. Not only Mg, but also Maa and Mah, were clearly identified as primary cause of mycobacteriosis in pet birds. IMPORTANCE In this study, the causative agents and confounding factors of mycobacteriosis in a set of pet and some wild birds from Germany were examined. Not only Mycobacterium genavense, but also M. avium subsp. avium and M. avium subsp. hominissuis, contributed to mycobacteriosis in these birds. Various coinfections did not affect the manifestation of mycobacteriosis. Due to different gross necropsy findings, however, a different pathogenicity of the two species was assumed. New strains of M. avium subsp. hominissuis originating from birds were identified and characterized, which is important for epidemiological studies and for understanding the zoonotic role of this pathogen, as the subsp. hominissuis represents an increasing public health concern. The study provides some evidence of correlation between M. avium subsp. avium genotypes and virulence which will have to be confirmed by broader studies.
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Grants
- Clinic for Birds and Reptiles, University of Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (Federal Research Institute for Animal Health), Jena, Germany
- Institute for Virology, University of Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (Federal Research Institute for Anmial Health), Jena, Germany
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Affiliation(s)
- Volker Schmidt
- Clinic for Birds and Reptiles, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Heike Köhler
- Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute (Federal Research Institute for Animal Health), Jena, Germany
| | | | - Petra Möbius
- Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute (Federal Research Institute for Animal Health), Jena, Germany
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Monitored therapy of sporadic mycobacteriosis caused by Mycobacterium genavense in Atlantic canaries (Serinus canaria) and Bengalese finch (Lonchura striata). J Vet Res 2021; 65:415-423. [PMID: 35111994 PMCID: PMC8775737 DOI: 10.2478/jvetres-2021-0067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction
Mycobacteriosis is a significant disease of companion and wild birds which causes emaciation and widely distributed lesions, as well as being a potential zoonosis. Its primary aetiological agents in birds are Mycobacterium avium subsp. avium and the fastidious Mycobacterium genavense. This study monitored the therapy of birds naturally infected with Mycobacterium genavense to gain understanding of its effectiveness and the interrelation of co-infections with the disease course and pharmacotherapy.
Material and Methods
Five Atlantic canaries (Serinus canaria) and one Bengalese finch (Lonchura striata) with tentative diagnoses of mycobacteriosis resulting from M. genavense infection were treated twice daily with clarithromycin at 40 mg/kg, ethambutol at 30 mg/kg, and moxifloxacin at 10 mg/kg for 6 months. Two canaries were also found to be carriers of Cryptosporidium galli. Mycobacteria in faecal samples of all birds were investigated by bacterioscopy and quantitative PCR.
Results
Molecular tests yielded positive results for up to four months after treatment initiation for M. genavense and Cryptosporidium, but microscopy failed to detect the latter after four weeks in specimens from one canary. Co-infections with polyomavirus (in all birds) and circovirus and bornavirus (in canaries) were diagnosed. Two birds died during treatment and one was euthanised because of other disease, 1 month after treatment completion. Three canaries were in relatively good health a year after treatment.
Conclusion
Canary circovirus and polyomavirus co-infection may suppress the immune system and this may facilitate the development of mycobacteriosis. The set of drugs used led to the complete cure of mycobacteriosis in three canaries. In one bird the disease returned. Clarithromycin was the active drug against C. galli. Molecular methods serve well to monitor mycobacteriosis therapy and identify M. genavense and C. galli carriage.
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Fulton RM, Mani R. Avian Gastric Yeast (Macrorhabdus ornithogaster) and Mycobacterium genavense Infections in a Zoo Budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus) Flock. Avian Dis 2021; 64:561-564. [PMID: 33647153 DOI: 10.1637/0005-2086-64.4.561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Over a 4-mo period, a Michigan zoo had 32 budgerigars, Melopsittacus undulatus, from their flock die. Whole animals or formalin-fixed tissues were submitted to Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory for diagnosis. Avian gastric yeast infection, Macrorhabdus ornithogaster, was diagnosed in seven birds. There was atrophy of breast musculature and no subcutaneous or coelomic fat stores in six necropsied birds. Only two birds had proventricular dilatation grossly. Histologic examination of the proventriculus of all seven birds revealed abundant 3 × 50-µm septate, parallel-walled, nonbranching yeast organisms morphologically consistent with Macrorhabdus ornithogaster. Mycobacteriosis was diagnosed in three budgerigars, two of which were necropsied. Both necropsied birds had hepatomegaly and one also had splenomegaly. No acid-fast bacilli were found in the livers of either bird but were found in splenic macrophages of the bird with splenomegaly and in the intestine of the other bird. Mycobacterium species were cultured from the enlarged spleen and identified by DNA sequence as Mycobacterium genavense. Pulmonary granulomas with acid-fast bacilli were found in the bird submitted as fixed tissues. None of the budgerigars had a dual infection. The remainder of the budgerigars died from hepatitis, nephrosis, oviductal prolapse, exclusion from food and water by flock mates, or tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard M Fulton
- Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824.,Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824
| | - Rinosh Mani
- Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824
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Rinder M, Schmitz A, Baas N, Korbel R. Molecular identification of novel and genetically diverse adenoviruses in Passeriform birds. Virus Genes 2020; 56:316-324. [PMID: 32034617 DOI: 10.1007/s11262-020-01739-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Knowledge about adenoviruses in birds of the order Passeriformes is very scarce. Based on molecular characterizations, only two siadenoviruses, great tit adenovirus 1 and Gouldian finch adenovirus, have been described so far occurring in great tits and Gouldian finches, respectively. Assuming a broader occurrence of adenoviruses, various passeriform birds including pet, zoo, and wild birds were examined using a broad-range PCR targeting a fragment of the adenovirus DNA polymerase gene. Adenoviruses were detected in 25 individual birds belonging to 13 species and seven zoological families (Ploceidae, Fringillidae, Estrildidae, Paridae, Sylviidae, Turdidae, Muscicapidae). The putative viruses were further characterized by sequencing the PCR products and phylogenetic analyses. DNA of adenoviruses affiliating to 3 genera including aviadenovirus, siadenovirus, and atadenovirus was found. Viruses with sequences identical or closely related to great tit adenovirus 1 and Gouldian finch adenovirus 1 were detected in a great tit and in two zebra finches, respectively. Based on polymerase amino acid sequence comparisons, the viruses found in the remaining 22 birds revealed phylogenetic distances larger than 15% to adenoviruses known so far suggesting that they may belong to at least 14 different virus species. In some bird species (great tit, zebra finch, vitelline masked weaver) varying adenovirus genera were detected. These results suggest a broad variety of adenoviruses circulating in passeriform birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Rinder
- Clinic for Birds, Small Mammals, Reptiles and Ornamental Fish, Center for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, University Ludwig-Maximilian of Munich, Sonnenstr. 18, 85764, Oberschleissheim, Germany.
| | - Anna Schmitz
- Institute of Poultry Diseases, Free University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Noreen Baas
- Clinic for Birds, Small Mammals, Reptiles and Ornamental Fish, Center for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, University Ludwig-Maximilian of Munich, Sonnenstr. 18, 85764, Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Korbel
- Clinic for Birds, Small Mammals, Reptiles and Ornamental Fish, Center for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, University Ludwig-Maximilian of Munich, Sonnenstr. 18, 85764, Oberschleissheim, Germany
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Schmitz A, Korbel R, Thiel S, Wörle B, Gohl C, Rinder M. High prevalence of Mycobacterium genavense within flocks of pet birds. Vet Microbiol 2018; 218:40-44. [PMID: 29685219 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2018.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Revised: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Mycobacterium genavense is regarded as the primary cause of mycobacteriosis in psittaciform and passeriform birds, which are commonly kept as pets. In humans, Mycobacterium genavense is especially pathogenic for young, old, pregnant and immunocompromised people (YOPIs). In birds, only few studies, mainly case reports, exist and there is still little e information about occurrence and relevance of this zoonotic pathogen. In this first pilot study concerning the prevalence of Mycobacterium genavense within flocks of naturally infected pet birds, real-time PCR examinations of 170 individual passeriform and psittaciform birds, including commonly kept budgerigars, lovebirds and zebra finches as well as gold finches and weaver finches, were conducted to determine the infection rate in six different aviaries. Antemortem examinations of faeces and cloacal swabs were compared with postmortem examinations of tissue samples to evaluate the reliability of antemortem diagnostics. Additional ophthalmologic examinations were performed to evaluate their diagnostic potential. Molecular examinations for viral co-infections, including circovirus, polyomavirus and adenovirus, were conducted to identify potential risk factors. PCR results revealed a detection prevalence of Mycobacterium genavense in the flocks varying from 3% to 91% based on postmortem testing, while antemortem diagnostics of faecal samples and swabs showed 64% discrepant (false negative) results. Ophthalmologic examinations were not useful in identifying infected birds within the flocks. Viral co-infections, especially with polyomavirus, were common. It has to be assumed that Mycobacterium genavense infections are widespread and underdiagnosed in companion birds. Viral infections might be an important risk factor. There is urgent need to improve antemortem diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Schmitz
- Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Clinic for Birds, Small Mammals, Reptiles and Ornamental Fish, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Sonnenstr. 18, 85476, Oberschleißheim, Germany.
| | - R Korbel
- Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Clinic for Birds, Small Mammals, Reptiles and Ornamental Fish, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Sonnenstr. 18, 85476, Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - S Thiel
- Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Clinic for Birds, Small Mammals, Reptiles and Ornamental Fish, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Sonnenstr. 18, 85476, Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - B Wörle
- Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Eberhard-Gwinner-Straße 5, 82319, Seewiesen (Starnberg), Germany
| | - C Gohl
- Tierpark Hellabrunn, Tierparkstraße 30, 81543, München, Germany
| | - M Rinder
- Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Clinic for Birds, Small Mammals, Reptiles and Ornamental Fish, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Sonnenstr. 18, 85476, Oberschleißheim, Germany
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