Respiratory and intestinal trichomoniasis in mule ducks

Two types of trichomoniasis, respiratory and intestinal, were found in two duck farms. Based on the morphological features, the organism was identified as Tetra-trichomonas anatis. In the first outbreak, main clinical signs were bilateral swelling of infraorbital sinuses, sneezing and profuse diarrhoea with high fatality (300/400) in young ducks. Histological lesions were confined to the upper respiratory tract and lower small intestine and consisted of mucofibrino-purulent sinusitis and catarrhal rhinitis, tracheitis and enteritis. The protozoa appeared frequently in the infraorbital sinuses, the respiratory region of the nose, and the lower small intestine, but rarely in the trachea. In the second outbreak, the lesions were limited to the lower small intestine with catarrhal enteritis in adult ducks clinically showing profuse diarrhoea and low mortality.

Risk factors for extra-pulmonary tuberculosis compared to pulmonary tuberculosis

BACKGROUND

Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a major global health problem. Extra-pulmonary TB (EPTB) manifests with protean symptoms, and establishing a diagnosis is more difficult than pulmonary TB (PTB).

SETTING

A university-affiliated hospital in southern Taiwan.

OBJECTIVE

To analyse the risk factors for EPTB compared with PTB.

DESIGN

This retrospective study compared patients with EPTB and PTB in southern Taiwan by analysing their demographic data and clinical underlying diseases. Risk factors for EPTB were further analysed.

RESULTS

A total of 766 TB patients were enrolled in this study, with 102 (13.3%) EPTB and 664 (86.7%) PTB cases. Of the 766 patients, 3% of PTB patients had EPTB, while 19.6% of EPTB patients also had PTB. The most frequently involved EPTB site was the bone and joints (24.5%). The incidence of EPTB vs. PTB decreased significantly for each decade increase in patient age. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that being female, not being diabetic, having end-stage renal disease and not smoking were independent risk factors for EPTB.

CONCLUSION

This study defines the risk factors for EPTB compared with PTB. Awareness of these factors is essential for physicians to have a high index of suspicion for accurate and timely diagnosis.

Aspergillosis and candidiasis in psittacine and passeriforme birds with particular reference to nasal lesions

High incidences of aspergillosis (12.9%) and candidiasis (15.4%) were encountered in 241 psittacines and passeriformes which died within 2 weeks of quarantine after being imported into Japan. Respiratory aspergillosis was diagnosed in 31 birds which involved mainly the nasal cavity (17 birds), lung (14 birds) and air sac (13 birds). Thirty-seven birds had candidial lesions in various organs, especially in the nasal cavity (22 birds), crop (17 birds), oesophagus (12 birds), proventriculus (6 birds) and gizzard (6 birds). The study provided strong evidence that the nasal cavity was an important entry and multiplication site for the both mycoses in psittacine birds. Aspergillus spp. had an affinity for the respiratory region of the nose, inducing an exudative rhinitis. Two types of tissue reaction, invasive and granulomatous, were found in the lung and air sac, although the former type was predominant. Candida spp. often attacked the vestibular region of the nose. This agent caused a hyperkeratotic change in the nasal cavity and other mucous membranes such as the crop, gizzard and cloaca. Cutaneous aspergillosis and candidiasis with or without poxvirus infection were also observed.

Unusual pox lesions found in Chinese jungle mynahs (Acridotheres cristatellus)

Pox lesions involving feathered and unfeathered skin, the oral cavity and the uropygial gland were found in Chinese jungle mynahs. Characteristic intracytoplasmic inclusions were detected in the proliferative cells of all lesions. Ultrastructurally, the virus particles consisted of a convoluted outer membrane enclosing lateral bodies and a biconcave central core, typical for poxvirus. The nucleotide sequences of the amplicon obtained with a set of primers for the 4b core protein of fowl poxvirus revealed that the mynah poxvirus was phylogenetically related to wood pigeon poxvirus. This is the first report of poxvirus infection affecting the uropygial gland.

In situ hybridization and RT-PCR detection of Macrobrachium rosenbergii nodavirus in giant freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii (de Man), in Taiwan

Between January and March 2006, suspected outbreaks of white tail disease were observed in post-larvae and juveniles of Macrobrachium rosenbergii in hatcheries and nursery ponds at Kaohsiung and Pingtung Counties in southern Taiwan. Pathognomonic lesions showed the presence of large oval and/or irregular basophilic, cytoplasmic inclusion bodies in the infected muscles and hepatopancreas. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay and in situ hybridization (ISH) revealed evidence of M. rosenbergii nodavirus (MrNV) infection but did not detect extra small virus. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that there were very high identities between nucleotide sequences among six strains obtained in this study (99.5-100%), moderate identities with Caribbean and Indian strains (98.2-98.6%), but slightly lower identity with a Chinese strain (95.2%). This is the first confirmation of MrNV in giant freshwater prawns, using an RT-PCR and ISH, in Taiwan.

Relationship between magnesium levels in drinking water and sudden infant death syndrome

The possible association between the risk of death from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and the levels of magnesium in drinking water from municipal supplies was investigated in a matched case-control study in Taiwan. Characteristics for all SIDS deaths (501 cases) among Taiwan residents from 1988 through 1997 were compared with those of people who died from other causes (501 controls). The levels of magnesium in the drinking water of these residents were determined from data obtained from the Taiwan Water Supply Corporation (TWSC). The controls were pair-matched to the SIDS cases by sex, month and year of birth. The results of our study show that there is a significant trend towards a decreased risk of SIDS with increasing magnesium levels in drinking water.

Increased risk of preterm delivery in areas with air pollution from a petroleum refinery plant in Taiwan

The petrochemical and petroleum industries are among the main sources of industrial air pollution in Taiwan. Data in this study concern outdoor air pollution and the health of individuals living in communities in close proximity to a petroleum refinery plant. The prevalence of delivery of preterm birth infants was significantly higher in mothers living in a petroleum refinery area compared to controls in Taiwan. After controlling for several possible confounders (including maternal age, season, marital status, maternal education, and infant sex), the adjusted odds ratio was 1.41 (95% CI = 1.08-1.82) for delivery of preterm infants in the polluted region. Data support the view that air pollution can affect the outcome of pregnancy.

Molecular characterization of Newcastle disease viruses isolated from recent outbreaks in Taiwan

A reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was described which amplified a portion of the F and HN genes of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) isolated from recent outbreaks in Taiwan. The F protein plays an important role in determining the virulence of NDV strains. Sequencing of a region specifying the F protein cleavage site was therefore undertaken and this verified the correlation between deduced amino sequences and pathogenicity. Analysis of the deduced amino acid sequences of the F protein cleavage site showed that all recent Taiwanese isolates in 1999 were velogenic viruses. All the virulent viruses have the amino acid sequence 112RRQKR116 for the C-terminus of the F2 protein and phenylanine (F) at the N-terminus of the F1 protein, residue 117. A phylogenetic tree based on the nucleotide sequences of the F gene revealed that recent Taiwanese NDV isolates responsible for recent outbreaks were classified into two distant genotypes (VI and VII). Genotype VI virus is the first finding in Taiwan and has a highly genetic similarity to European isolates, suggesting that they might have originated from a common ancestor.

Adverse pregnancy outcome in a petrochemical polluted area in Taiwan

The petrochemical industry is the main source of industrial air pollution in Taiwan. Reported here are the results from an ongoing study of outdoor air pollution and the health of individuals living in a community in close proximity to petrochemical industrial complexes. The prevalences of term low birth weight (LBW) in the petrochemical municipality and control municipality were 3.22%, and 1.84%, respectively. After controlling for several possible confounders (including maternal age, season, marital status, maternal education, and infant sex), the adjusted odds ratio was 1.767 (1.002-3.116) for term LBW in the petrochemical municipality. Data provide further support for the hypothesis that air pollution can affect the outcome of pregnancy.

Adverse health effects among household waste collectors in Taiwan

Household waste collectors (HWCs) are potentially exposed to a variety of bioaerosols and toxic materials. Collection of household waste is also a job which requires repeated heavy physical activity such as lifting, carrying, pulling, and pushing. The object of this study was to assess whether there is an excess of adverse health outcomes among HWCs. The subjects were all current employees of the Household Waste Collection Department in the County of Kaohsiung, Taiwan. The survey questionnaire was completed by 533 HWCs and 320 office workers. Our data indicate that household waste collection presents a risk for the development of chronic respiratory symptoms (cough, phlegm, wheezing, and chronic bronchitis), musculoskeletal symptoms (low back pain and elbow/wrist pain), and injuries caused by sharp objects.

Chlorination of drinking water and sex ratio at birth in Taiwan

Chlorination has been the major strategy for disinfecting drinking water in Taiwan. The objective of the present study was to determine whether the chlorination of drinking water was associated with abnormal sex ratios, an indicator of exposure to pollutants. A "chlorinating municipality" (CHM) was defined as one in which more than 90% of the municipality population was served with chlorinated water. A "nonchlorinating municipality" (NCHM) was one in which less than 5% of the municipality population was served with chlorinated water. The results of this study found no association between the use of chlorinated drinking water and abnormal sex ratios at birth in Taiwan. The imbibing of chlorinated water may not reflect contaminant exposure using sex ratio as a biomonitor.

Association between chlorination of drinking water and adverse pregnancy outcome in Taiwan

Chlorination has been the major means of disinfecting drinking water in Taiwan. The use of chlorinated water has been hypothesized to lead to several adverse birth outcomes, including low birth weight and preterm delivery. We performed a study to examine the relationship between the use of chlorinated water and adverse birth outcomes in Taiwan. The study areas included 14 chlorinating municipalities (CHMs), which were defined as municipalities in which > 90% of the municipal population was served by chlorinated water, and 14 matched nonchlorinating municipalities (NCHMs), defined as municipalities in which < 5% of the municipal population is served by chlorinated water. The CHMs and NCHMs were similar to one another in terms of level of urbanization and sociodemographic characteristics. The study population comprised 18,025 women residing in the 28 municipalities who had a first parity singleton birth between 1 January 1994 and 31 December 1996 and for which complete information on maternal age, education, gestational age, birth weight, and sex of the baby were available. The results of our study suggest that there was no association between consumption of chlorinated drinking water and the risk of low birth weight.

Calcium and magnesium in drinking water and risk of death from prostate cancer

The possible association between the increased risk of prostate cancer and the levels of calcium and magnesium in drinking water from municipal supplies was investigated in a matched cancer case-control study in Taiwan. All eligible prostate-cancer deaths (682 cases) of Taiwan residents from 1987 through 1993 were compared with deaths from other causes (682 controls). The levels of calcium and magnesium in the drinking water of these residents were also determined. Data on calcium and magnesium levels in drinking water throughout Taiwan were obtained from the Taiwan Water Supply Corporation (TWSC). The control group consisted of people who died from other causes, and the controls were pair-matched to the cases by year of birth and death. The adjusted odds ratios for prostate cancer death for those with higher magnesium levels in their drinking water, as compared to the lowest tertile, were 0.73 (95% CI = 0.51-1.03) and 0.64 (95% CI = 0.43-0.96), respectively. The adjusted odd ratios for the relationship between calcium levels in drinking water and prostate cancer were not statistically significant. The results of the present study show that there may be a significant protective effect of magnesium intake from drinking water and other dietary sources against the risk of prostate cancer development.

Female lung cancer mortality and sex ratios at birth near a petroleum refinery plant

This study was conducted to assess whether female mortality from lung cancer is associated with residence in communities adjacent to a petroleum refinery plant and whether petroleum air pollution could affect the sex ratios of births. The Kaohsiung Refinery of the Chinese Petroleum Corp. is the oldest oil refinery in Taiwan and is located between the Tso-Ying and the Nan-Tzu municipalities. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) for female lung cancer and sex ratios of births were calculated for each municipality for the years 1971-1996. Cumulative-sum techniques were used to detect the occurrence of changes in the SMRs. The study results show that mortality from female lung cancer rose gradually about 30 to 37 years after the operation of a petroleum refinery plant began. However, the association between exposure to the petroleum air pollution and abnormal sex ratios at birth was not significant.

Fluoride in drinking water and cancer mortality in Taiwan

The possibility that cancer risk is associated with naturally fluoridated water in Taiwan is examined. The 1982-1991 age-adjusted mortality rates for cancer for 10 municipalities whose water supplies contained the highest naturally occurring fluoride concentrations in Taiwan were compared to those rates for 10 matched municipalities with unfluoridated water. The two groups had similar urbanization levels and sociodemographic characteristics. Our study does not support the suggestion that fluoridation of water supplies is associated with an increase in cancer mortality in Taiwan.

Esophageal cancer mortality and total hardness levels in Taiwan's drinking water

The possible association between the risk of esophageal cancer and hardness levels in drinking water from municipal supplies was investigated in a matched case-control study in Taiwan. All eligible esophageal cancer deaths (2084 cases) of Taiwan residents from 1987 through 1996 were compared with deaths from other causes (2084 controls), and the hardness levels of the drinking water used by these residents were determined. Data on water hardness throughout Taiwan have been collected from the Taiwan Water Supply Corporation (TWSC). The control group consisted of people who died from other causes and the controls were pair-matched to the cases by sex, year of birth, and year of death. The results show that there is a 42% excess risk of mortality from esophageal cancer in relation to the use of soft water (adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals was 1.42 (1.22-1.66). This is an important finding for the Taiwan water industry and human health.

Magnesium in drinking water and the risk of death from diabetes mellitus

This report examines whether magnesium in drinking water is protective against the probability of dying from diabetes mellitus. All eligible deaths from diabetes (6781 cases) of Taiwan residents from 1990 through 1994 were compared with deaths from other causes (6781 controls), and the levels of magnesium in the drinking water of these residents was determined. Data on magnesium levels in drinking water throughout Taiwan were obtained from the Taiwan Water Supply Corporation (TWSC). Controls were pair matched to the cases by sex, year of birth, and year of death. The results of the present study show that there seems to be a significant protective effect of magnesium intake from drinking water on the risk of dying from diabetes mellitus. This is an important finding for the Taiwan water industry and human health.

Female lung cancer and petrochemical air pollution in Taiwan

To investigate the relationship between petrochemical air pollution and female lung cancer, we conducted a matched case-control study among women who had died in Taiwan from 1990 through 1994. Data about all eligible female lung cancer deaths were obtained from the Bureau of Vital Statistics of the Taiwan Provincial Department of Health. The control group included women who died from nonneoplasms and diseases that were not associated with respiratory problems. We pair-matched the controls to the cases by sex, year of birth, and year of death. Each matched control was selected randomly from the set of possible controls for each case. We used the proportion of a municipality's total population employed in the petrochemical manufacturing industry as an indicator of a resident's exposure to air emissions from the petrochemical manufacturing industry. The subjects were divided into tertiles according to the above indicator. Women who lived in the 2 groups of municipalities characterized by higher levels of petrochemical pollution had a statistically significant higher risk of developing lung cancer than the group that lived in municipalities with the lowest petrochemical air pollution levels (after controlling for possible confounders). The linear trend was also statistically significant (p < .05). The results of this study shed important light on the relationship between the Taiwan petrochemical industry and the resulting risk to human health.

Rectal cancer mortality and total hardness levels in Taiwan's drinking water

The possible association between the risk of rectal cancer and hardness levels in drinking water from municipal supplies was investigated in a matched case-control study in Taiwan. All eligible rectal cancer deaths (986 cases) of Taiwan residents from 1990 through 1994 were compared with deaths from other causes (986 controls), and the hardness levels of the drinking water used by these residents were determined. Data on water hardness throughout Taiwan were collected from Taiwan Water Supply Corporation (TWSC). The control group consisted of people who died from other causes and the controls were pair matched to the cases by sex, year of birth, and year of death. The results show a significant negative relationship between drinking water hardness and rectal cancer mortality. Odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals were 1.24 (1.01-1. 55) and 1.38 (1.10-1.73), respectively, for exposure to moderately hard water and soft water compared with the use of hard water. Trend analyses showed an increasing odds ratio for rectal cancer with decreasing levels of hardness in drinking water. This is an important finding for the Taiwan water industry and human health.

Pancreatic cancer mortality and total hardness levels in Taiwan's drinking water

The possible association between the risk of pancreatic cancer mortality and hardness levels in drinking water from municipal supplies was investigated in a matched case-control study in Taiwan. All eligible pancreatic cancer deaths (883 cases) of Taiwan residents from 1990 through 1994 were compared with deaths from other causes (883 controls), and the hardness levels of the drinking water used by these residents were determined. Data on water hardness throughout Taiwan was collected from Taiwan Water Supply Corporation (TWSC). The control group consisted of people who died from other causes and were pair matched to the cancer cases by sex, year of birth, and year of death. The results show that there is a 39 % excess risk of mortality from pancreatic cancer in relation to the use of soft water. Trend analyses showed an increasing odds ratio for pancreatic cancer with decreasing levels of hardness in drinking water. This is an important finding for the Taiwan water industry and human health.

Effects of indoor environmental factors on risk for acute otitis media in a subtropical area

The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between indoor environmental factors and acute otitis media in a subtropical area. A case-control study was performed using participants from a prevalence survey that included 219 school children with acute otitis media and 219 age- and gender-matched controls. The study was confined to 4164 primary school children aged 6-12 yr attending 8 primary schools in Kaohsiung rural municipalities who participated in a prevalence study of the health effects of an indoor environment. An acute otitis media case was defined as a child with acute symptoms (presenting with earache, fever, irritability, and/or discharge from the ear) diagnosed by a physician in the previous year. Controls selected from the same school did not have chronic or acute respiratory illness or an ear-related illness during the same period. Information regarding the home environment was obtained using a structured written questionnaire, completed by the parents of the children. Of the many indoor environmental factors included in this study, only living in a home with indications of dampness (mold, flooding, home dampness) showed an association with acute otitis media. It was concluded that dampness in the home is a new public health issue in subtropical areas.

Chlorination of drinking water and cancer mortality in Taiwan

Chlorination has been the major strategy for disinfection of drinking water in Taiwan. An ecologic epidemiological study design was used to examine whether chlorination of drinking water was associated with cancer risks. A "chlorinating municipality" (CHM) was defined as one in which more than 90% of the municipality population was served by the chlorinated water while an "nonchlorinating municipality" (NCHM) was one in which less than 5% of the municipality population was served by chlorinated water. Age-adjusted mortality rates for cancer during 1982-1991 among the 14 CHMs were compared to rates among the 14 matched NCHMs with similar urbanization level and sociodemographic characteristics. The results of this study suggest a positive association between consumption of chlorinating drinking water and cancer of the rectum, lung, bladder, and kidney. Although these findings must be interpreted with caution because of limitations in the ecological study design, their public health significance should not be disregarded because chlorination of water is so widely practiced in Taiwan.

Calcium, magnesium, and nitrate in drinking water and gastric cancer mortality

The possible association between the risk of gastric cancer and the levels of calcium, magnesium, and nitrate in drinking water from municipal supplies was investigated in a matched case-control study in Taiwan. Records of gastric cancer deaths among eligible residents in Taiwan from 1987 through 1991 were obtained from the Bureau of Vital Statistics of the Taiwan Provincial Department of Health. Controls were deaths from other causes and were pair-matched to the cases by sex, year-of-birth, and year-of-death. Each matched control was selected randomly from the set of possible controls for each case. Data on calcium, magnesium, and nitrate levels in drinking water throughout Taiwan were obtained from the Taiwan Water Supply Corporation. The municipality of residence of the cases and controls was assumed to be the source of the subject's calcium, magnesium, and nitrate exposure via drinking water. The subjects were divided into tertiles according to the levels of calcium, magnesium, and nitrate in their drinking water. The results of the present study show that there is a significant positive association between drinking water nitrate exposure and gastric cancer mortality. The present study also suggests that there was a significant protective effect of calcium intake from drinking water on the risk of gastric cancer. Magnesium also exerts a protective effect against gastric cancer, but only for the group with the highest levels.

Calcium and magnesium in drinking water and risk of death from colon cancer

The possible association between the risk of colon cancer and the levels of calcium and magnesium in drinking water from municipal supplies was investigated in a matched case-control study in Taiwan. All eligible colon cancer deaths (1714 cases) of Taiwan residents from 1989 through 1993 were compared with deaths from other causes (1714 controls), and the levels of calcium and magnesium in drinking water of these residents were determined. Data on calcium and magnesium levels in drinking water throughout Taiwan were obtained from the Taiwan Water Supply Corporation. The control group consisted of people who died from other causes and the controls were pair-matched to the cases by sex, year-of-birth, and year-of-death. The adjusted odd ratios (95% confidence interval) were 0.79 (0.64-0.98) for the group with water calcium levels between 24.4 and 42.3 mg/liter and 0.58 (0.47-0.73) for the group with calcium levels of 42.4 mg/liter or more. The adjusted odd ratios were not statistically significant for the relationship between magnesium levels in drinking water and colon cancer. The results of the present study show that there is a significant protective effect of calcium intake from drinking water against colon cancer.

Cancer mortality and residence near petrochemical industries in Taiwan

An ecologic study design was used to investigate the relationship between cancer risks and residence in communities adjacent to petrochemical industrial counties (PICs). Directly age-adjusted mortality rates for cancer during 1982-1991 among 16 counties characterized by a heavy concentration of petrochemical industries were compared to rates among 16 matched counties with similar concentration of nonpetrochemical manufacturing industries, urbanization level, and demographic characteristics. An excess rate for liver cancer among males was found in the so-called PICs. The correlation could not be explained by confounding variables such as urbanization, socioeconomic class, or employment in nonpetrochemical industries. No other increased cancer risks were found to be associated with residence near petrochemical industries.

Manganese exposure to PC-12 cells alters triacylglycerol metabolism and promotes neurite outgrowth

Exposure of PC-12 cells to MnCl2 (10-100 microM for 1 to 3 days) resulted in both morphological and metabolic changes as indicated by promotion of neurite outgrowth and an increased incorporation of labeled fatty acids (14:0, 18:1 and 20:4) into triacylglycerols (TG). Cells prelabeled with [14C]arachidonic acid (AA) showed a time-dependent decrease in labeled TG, and the rate of decline was inhibited by Mn (100 microM). In the pulse-chase type of study, the decrease in the proportion of labeled TG as well as labeled phosphatidylcholine (PC) was marked by an increase in labeled phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylethanolamine. These results support previous notion that TG plays an important role in channeling the fatty acid nutrients for biosynthesis of membrane phospholipids. Thus, the Mn-induced inhibition of the ability to transfer TG fatty acids to other lipids in PC-12 cells may be an underlying cause for the observed morphological changes.

Catarrhal proventriculitis associated with a filamentous organism in pet birds

Catarrhal proventriculitis due to infection by an unidentified organism was diagnosed in 79 of 534 pet birds examined histologically. It was more prevalent in domestic birds (70 cases) than in imported ones (9 cases). A high incidence of the disease was encountered in budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) and it was occasionally found in finches (Poephila gouldiae gouldiae), parakeets (Psittacula Krameri manillensis), Amazona parrots (Amazona aestiva aestiva) and cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus). The agent was a large filamentous rod, and was stained positively with Gram, GMS and PAS methods. Histologically, it induced a mild to moderate exudative or proliferative inflammation in the proventriculus. All the cases had an erosion in the gizzard. Ultrastructurally, the organism had a eukaryotic nucleus and three cell-wall layers. Concurrent infections were very common, including adenoviruses (37 cases), giardiasis (31 cases), candidiasis (13 cases), papovaviruses (11 cases) and knemidocoptic mites (11 cases).

Histopathological survey of protozoa, helminths and acarids of imported and local psittacine and passerine birds in Japan

A total of 534 psittacine and passerine birds consisting of 241 imported and 293 local birds were examined histologically. As a result, the following parasites were found: Giardia (86 cases), Knemido-coptes (26 cases), coccidia (10 cases), Ascaridia (6 cases), Cryptosporidium (5 cases), Sarcocystis (5 cases), tapeworm (4 cases), microfilaria (2 cases), Hexamita (1 case), and Spiroptera (1 case). High incidences of giardiasis and knemido-coptic infestation were detected in the local birds, but rarely in the imported birds. Giardial trophozoites were observed mainly in the duodenum of budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus). Knemidocoptic mites burrowed into the epidermis producing proliferative dermatitis in 25 budgerigars and 1 African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus erithacus). This ectoparasite often infested the skin around the cloaca. Coccidiosis was seen only in the small intestines of the finch (Poephila gouldiae gouldiae), African Grey Parrot, Rainbow lory (Trichoglossus haematodus), Indian Ring-necked parakeet (Psittacula krameri manillensis) and peach-faced lovebird (Agapornis roseicollis). Two parrots (Amazona aestiva aestiva and Psittacus erithacus erithacus) and two budgerigars had intestinal cryptosporidiosis. Conjunctivitis associated with cryptosporidial infection was seen in a lovebird. Sarcocystis cysts containing crescent-shaped bradyzoites were found not only in the thigh and breast but also in the heart and cloacal muscles. Other organisms such as Ascaridia, tapeworm, microfilaria, Hexamita, and Spiroptera were clinically less significant. However, infections such as Giardia and Cryptosporidim might have zoonotic implications.

Epidemiology of swine toxoplasmosis in Taiwan

From July 1987 to June 1988, serum samples from 3,880 pigs from eight geographic locations in Taiwan were examined for Toxoplasma gondii antibodies using the latex agglutination test (LA test) and IgM-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (IgM-ELISA). A total of 1,073 samples (27.65%) were positive by the LA test. The percentage of positive reactions varied by location as follows: Taoyuan 44.44% (128/288), Taichung 27.60% (183/663), Tainan 22.28% (119/534), Kaohsiung 19.60% (98/500), Pingtung 17.92% (86/480), Hualien 33.95% (163/480), Ilan 31.66% (152/480), Taitung 31.64% (144/455). In the IgM-ELISA 1,828 of 3,880 samples (47.11%) were positive and the distribution of positive reactions were: Taoyuan 59.02% (170/288), Taichung 53.69% (356/663), Tainan 52.24% (279/534), Kaohsiung 54.60% (273/500), Pingtung 18.95% (91/480), Ilan 47.50% (228/480), Hualien 42.70% (205/480), Taitung 49.67% (226/455). On one farm, 20 of 120 sows experienced abortion and stillbirths due to Toxoplasma gondii. Lesions and T. gondii were found in lungs, liver, kidneys, heart, and placenta of one of the aborted fetuses.

Cryptosporidiosis in domestic birds

From March to June 1982, three cases of avian cryptosporidiosis were encountered in chickens, ducklings, and canaries. The bursa of Fabricius of chickens and ducklings were the main target organs and the agents were found to attach the microvillus border of the plical epithelium. In canaries, the parasites adhered to the microvillus border of mucosal epithelium of the proventriculus. Diagnoses were based on the microscopic pathology, the morphology of the parasites, and the type of attachment to epithelium. This represents the first authenticated evidence of cryptosporidial infection in Taiwan.

Pathogenesis on the experimental infections of Candida albicans in chickens

Systemic candidiasis were induced in chickens by both intravenous and subcutaneous injections of viable Candida albicans. However, infection was not encountered by intratracheal or oral injections. Pathologically, necrotic foci were found in the brain, heart, and spleen but not in the liver, kidney and lungs of the diseased chickens. Numerous segments of the pseudomycelium were seen in the necrotic areas which were surrounded by foreign body giant cells. Pure cultures of the agent were successfully isolated from the necrotic tissues. C albicans seemed to have an affinity for the brain and heart in chickens instead of the kidney which is focus of infections in rabbits.

Isolation of Candida albicans and their sensitivity to antifungal agents

During 1978 and 1979 outbreaks of candidiasis were encountered in about 500,000 broiler chickens on 30 farms, 30,000 guinea fowl on 4 farms, 500 geese on 1 farm, and 10 penguins in a zoo. This represents the first report of avian candidiasis in Taiwan. Diagnoses were based on typical gross and microscopic pathology consistent isolation of Candida albicans from crop and esophageal lesions, virulence of isolates in rabbits, identification of the isolates as C. albicans serotype A by chlamydospore and germ tube formation, fermentation tests, and agglutination by specific antisera, and the lack of any sign of fowl pox or trichomoniasis. The upsurge of candidiasis is attributed to the modernization stressors which interact deleteriously with opportunistic pathogens. In vitro sensitivity testing recorded the following order of effectiveness against 20 isolates: nystatin greater than gentian violet greater than copper sulfate = propionic acid = p-hydroxy benzoic acid greater than calcium propionate = propylene glycol.