A case of aspergillosis in a broiler breeder flock

A case of aspergillosis in a broiler breeder flock having respiratory and nervous system problems caused by Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus niger is documented. Dyspnea, hyperpnea, blindness, torticollis, lack of equilibrium, and stunting were observed clinically. On postmortem examination of the affected birds, white to yellow caseous nodules were observed on lungs, thoracic air sacs, eyes, and cerebellum. Histopathologic examination of lungs and cerebellum revealed classic granulomatous inflammation and cerebellar lesions, necrotic meningoencephalitis, respectively. No lesions were noted in the cerebrum histopathologically. Aspergillus hyphae were observed in stained sections prepared from lesioned organs. Fungal spores and branched septate hyphae were observed in direct microscopy. Aspergillus fumigatus and A. niger were isolated from the inoculations prepared from the suspensions of organs showing lesions.     

Pathological, clinical and mycological findings in experimental aspergillosis infections of starlings

A group of 24 wild starlings (Sturnus vulgaris), in undefined age categories but at least post-pubertal, constituted the material of this study. Six starlings were kept as a control group and 18 starlings served as the infection group. The starlings in the infection group were infected with inoculums of 1.35 x 10(6)/0.2 ml Aspergillus fumigatus via intratracheal route whereas the control group was administered only placebo in the same way. Six, four, two, four and two birds died on 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 days post inoculation respectively. At the necropsy of the dead birds, caseous foci were determined in the lungs, on the air sacks, myocardium, thoracic wall and abdominal serosa. In the histopathological examination of the white-yellowish caseous foci ranging from pinhead to chick pean in size, necrotic granulomatous foci consisting of macrophages, heterophil leukocytes and gigant cells encapsulated with a fibrous tissue were observed. Hyphae and spores of A. fumigatus were determined in these foci using the Gridley staining method.     

Pulmonary and hepatic aspergillomas in the deer]

Four solitary aspergillomas in deer are being described. Two were found in the lungs and two in the liver. Morphologically, they were bulky, local lesions filled with homogenous, fragile, necrotic tissue of conspicuously green color. Pulmonary aspergillomas communicated with the conducting bronchus having affected fibers. The necrotic tissue of aspergillomas was interwoven by diffuse abundant fibers of Aspergillus fumigatus.     

Outbreak of disseminated zygomycosis and concomitant pulmonary aspergillosis in breeder layer cockerels

Disseminated zygomycosis and concomitant pulmonary aspergillosis were diagnosed in breeder layer cockerels. Five- to 9-week-old breeder layer cockerels with a history of an increased mortality rate were presented to a diagnostic laboratory for examination. On necropsy, large, multifocal, firm, tan, nodules were observed in the lungs, air sacs, peritoneum, livers, spleens and kidneys. On histopathology, mixed populations of zygomycetes and Aspergillus hyphae were observed in the granulomas in the lungs, and zygomycete hyphae were observed in the granulomas in the air sacs, peritoneum, livers, spleens and kidneys. No bacteria were isolated from any of the lesions. Aspergillus fumigatus was isolated from the lung lesions only and hyphae that were consistent with those of a Rhizopus spp. were isolated from the lesions in several organs. Pullets, which were kept together with the cockerels from the day they were hatched, were not affected. The absence of infection in the pullets, which were kept together with the cockerels, suggests that the cockerels were either infected during incubation, with the fungi penetrating the egg shell, or that they were infected during hatching before they were mixed with the pullets.     

Development of a method for the identification, using the polymerase chain reaction, of Aspergillus fumigatus isolated from ostriches

Objective To develop a method for identifying DNA of Aspergillus fumigatus from ostriches, using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A fumigatus is the principal causative agent of avian aspergillosis.
Design A biochemical trial.
Sample population Twelve Aspergillus fumigatus isolates and three other Aspergillus species.
Procedure PCR primers that were based on the sequence of the alkaline protease gene from human isolates of A fumigatus were used.
Results We successfully tested the method on ostrich isolates from five states and showed that the test is specific for A fumigatus.
Conclusions In most cases the DNA sequence of A fumigatus isolates from ostriches is similar to that of human isolates. DNA sequences vary significantly among A fumigatus isolates, including those from affected ostriches in the same flock. The genetic variation may be used to trace aspergillus infections in ostrich flocks and determine if the disease is transmitted by contact with infected birds.     

Nocardia nova causing pulmonary nocardiosis of black crakes (Limnocorax flavirostra).

Natural nocardial infection has been reported in many different species including mammals and fish, but reports in birds remain uncommon. Eight juvenile Black Crakes (Limnocoraxflavirostra) died unexpectedly at the Basle Zoo. Necropsy revealed disseminated white, firm nodules, 1-3 mm in diameter, throughout the lung parenchyma. Histologically, the lungs contained multiple, often confluent granulomas with central necrosis. Delicate, gram-positive, 0.5- to 1.0-microm-wide, branching, occasionally beaded, filamentous organisms were visible in necrotic centers. These organisms were acid fast when stained with Fite-Faraco. No histologic lesions were seen in other organs. Nocardia nova was isolated from liver, spleen, kidney, and lung. Granulomatous and necrotizing nocardial pneumonia with agonal septicemia was diagnosed, suggesting an aerogenous infection. To our knowledge, this is the first reported epizootic outbreak of nocardiosis in birds, which is additionally unusual because it was caused by N. nova.     

Pathogenesis of Aspergillus fumigatus infection in pigeons in the Sudan.

The pathogenesis of a pigeon isolate of Aspergillus fumigatus in a local breed of pigeons in the Sudan was tested. The spores inoculated intravenously resulted in an acute disease with 100% of mortality within six days. At necropsy, pinpoint and miliary lesions were prominent in the liver, spleen, lungs and kidneys. Histopathological examination detected lesions in the liver, heart, lungs, kidneys, spleen and brain. Hyphae and/or spores were encountered in all these organs. The presence of A. fumigatus was confirmed by reisolation from the liver, lungs and kidneys.     

Mass occurrence of mycotic tracheitis in chickens

An enzootic of chick mycosis, caused by the spores of the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus, is described. The mycotic infection affected the respiratory tract of the birds; pathological changes were located mainly in the region of the trachea. The changes had the nature of diphtheroid necrotic inflammation destroying the mucous membrane and causing almost an obstruction of the trachea. Deposits of granulomatous inflammation, containing fungus elements, were detected in the peritracheal tissue, and in individual birds also in the lungs. Litter contaminated with Aspergillus was the source of infection.     

Lesions of spinal cord parelaphostrongylosis in sheep. Sequential changes following intramedullary larval migration

Spinal cord nematodiasis epidemiologically, clinically, and histologically consistent with Parelaphostrongylus tenuis infection was noted in two flocks of sheep. Spinal cords from two sheep with active infection and one from a partially recovered animal were studied in an effort to determine the sequence of lesions following larval invasion of the central nervous system. In the former two sheep, migration of larvae within the spinal cord induced asymmetrically irregular tracks of disrupted and necrotic tissue, primarily in white matter. Subsequently, macrophages infiltrated these regions and phagocytized the necrotic tissue, which led to cavity formation. Swelling and loss of axons, diminished myelin staining, mononuclear cell infiltration and increase in astrocytic fibers were often seen in adjacent tissue. Only occasional coiled larvae were found in these actively infected animals. Late stage lesions in the white matter in the partially recovered sheep included multiple small astrogliotic regions with diminished myelin and axonal content, and a single large multicavitary, atrophic, gliotic zone.     

育成鸡慢性鸡白痢感染的病理学变化

对江苏省某三黄鸡鸡场饲养的60日龄育成鸡发生的慢性鸡白痢沙门菌感染进行了系统的病理学观察。剖检所见以心脏、气管、肺脏、肌胃出现大小不等的白色坏死结节,肝脏、脾脏肿大并形成白色坏死区为特征。病理组织学变化主要为各脏器的炎症如气管炎、肺炎、肝炎、脾炎、肾炎、盲肠炎、心肌炎,主要特征性变化为心肌和肌胃由大量组织细胞浸润取代肌肉纤维,从而形成肉眼可见的白色结节,而其他脏器的坏死结节或坏死灶则主要由坏死的组织、渗出的纤维素、嗜异性白细胞、单核细胞和淋巴细胞构成。从上述病例的肝脏病灶中分离到了鸡白痢沙门菌,为鸡白痢慢性感染的病理学诊断和鉴别诊断提供了依据。     

Aspergillus fumigatus infection in two wild Eurasian black vultures (Aegypius monachus Linnaeus) with carbofuran insecticide poisoning: a case report

Aspergillus spp. are opportunistic pathogens which cause pulmonary aspergillosis in animals and humans with compromised immune systems. Two Eurasian black vultures (Aegypius monachus Linnaeus) were found dead or clinically ill from carbofuran insecticide during the winter of 2004. Carbofuran was detected in the stomach contents by gas chromatograph-mass spectrometry. Gross lesions showed severe granulomatous pneumonia and serofibrinous pleuropneumonia in both birds, with most lesions restricted to the pulmonary system. Histological lesions included pyogranulomatous pneumonia and suppurative parabronchiolitis/pleuritis/air sacculitis with a number of septated fungal hyphae, suggesting severe pulmonary aspergillosis. Fungal isolates from each vulture were identified as Aspergillus fumigatus by both lactophenol cotton blue staining and genetic analysis. This is the first report of pulmonary aspergillosis caused by A. fumigatus in wild Eurasian black vultures and suggests that Aspergillus infection could be an important cause of death in these birds which migrate from Mongolia to Korea during the winter. The incidence of the disease may be related to impaired immunity caused directly or indirectly by carbofuran poisoning.     

Dual mycotic infection in a chicken

A double mycotic infection, caused by Aspergillus fumigatus and a zygomycete-like organism, was histopathologically demonstrated in the lungs of a 12-week-old chicken. A. fumigatus was isolated, but the zygomycete was not.     

Disseminated acute concomitant aspergillosis and mucormycosis in a pony

A 6-year-old female pony died after 2 days of prostration. Clinical signs included hyperthermia and abnormal pulmonary auscultation sounds. Necropsy revealed diffuse severe necrohaemorrhagic colitis and splenitis, multiple visceral ecchymoses, petechial haemorrhages in the brain and lungs. Microscopical examination showed acute necrohaemorrhagic colitis, encephalitis, pneumonia and splenitis associated with fibrinoid vasculitis, thrombosis and fungal hyphae within and around vessels. Immunohistologically, concomitant aspergillosis (caused by Aspergillus fumigatus) and mucormycosis (causde by Absidia corymbifera) were identified in the colonic and pulmonary lesions, whereas pure mucormycosis was observed in cerebral and splenic lesions. Dual mycotic infections are very rarely described, and the present case emphasizes the need of immunohistochemistry in order to obtain a clear-cut diagnosis of mixed fungal infections.     

Proliferative response by the ostrich proventriculus in idiopathic gastric stasis: a case report

In this report, the late clinical, necropsy, and histopathological findings of idiopathic gastric stasis in an ostrich are described, with special attention to the proventriculus. An ostrich with clinical signs of gastric stasis was brought to our clinic in a state of impending death that could not be reversed with emergency medical care. At necropsy, the koilin layer of the gizzard was uneven without ulcerations. The proventriculus was distended with food items without impaction and mucosal lesions. None of the most typical aetiological factors including foreign objects, Macrorhabdus ornithogaster and parasitic infection with Libyostrongylus douglassii was present. Histologically, the proventriculus was characterised by hyperplastic mucosa with luminal buds and necrotic cells in the lumen. Immunochemistry for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) revealed a high rate of proliferation in epithelial cells of the glandular and mucosal lining in the proventriculus neighbouring the affected gizzard: approximately 88.6% of the cells were immunoreactive as compared to 34.4% of the cells in control ostriches used for comparison. In conclusion, in the absence of gizzard contraction, the mucosal lining of the proventriculus is hyperplastic with a high rate of proliferation that may help compensate the distension due to the accumulation of food items.     

The clinical, pathological and microbiological outcome of an Escherichia coli O2:K1 infection in avian pneumovirus infected turkeys

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of an Escherichia coli infection in avian pneumovirus (APV)-infected turkeys. One group of 2-week-old specific pathogen-free (SPF) and two groups of 3-week-old conventional (CON) turkeys were inoculated oculonasally with virulent APV subtype A alone, with E. coli O2:K1 alone or with both agents at varying intervals (1, 3, 5 or 7 days) between the two inoculations. The birds were followed clinically and examined for macroscopic lesions at necropsy. Titres of APV were determined in the turbinates, trachea, lungs and air sacs. The number of E. coli O2:K1were assessed in the turbinates, trachea, lungs, air sacs, liver and heart. In both SPF and CON turkeys, dual infection resulted in an increased morbidity and a higher incidence of gross lesions compared to the groups given single infections, especially with a time interval between APV and E. coli inoculations of 3 and 5 days. APV was isolated from the respiratory tract of all APV-infected groups between 3 and 7 days post inoculation. E. coli O2:K1 was isolated only from turkeys that received a dual infection. It was recovered from the turbinates, trachea, lungs, heart and liver. These results show that APV may act as a primary agent predisposing to E. coli colonization and invasion.     

Pathogenesis of naturally acquired bovine respiratory syncytial virus infection in calves: morphologic and serologic findings

Lesions in 32 calves that died or were euthanatized during the course of severe natural infection with bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) are described. All calves had been dyspneic for 1 to 2 days. At necropsy, lesions that could be related to dyspnea included congested and cyanotic mucosae and widespread petechiae. The lungs had various lesions in the cranioventral (CV) and caudodorsal (CD) portions. The CV portion of the lungs was consolidated, firm, and edematous. Histologically, the main characteristic was degenerative, necrotic bronchiolitis, with few syncytial cells. Signs of repair, such as epithelial hyperplasia, fibrosis, and bronchiolitis obliterans, often were observed. The CD portion of the lungs was markedly distended, owing to severe edema and emphysema. Bronchiolar lesions were lacking in the CD portion. In 14 calves, hyaline membranes were seen in the CV and CD portions. Results of immunofluorescence for BRSV were positive in 24 calves, but only in the CV portion of the lungs. The calves had variable concentrations of BRSV-specific IgG1 and IgM in serum, lung lavage fluid, or both. The BRSV-specific IgA, on the contrary, was seldom detected. Thus, 2 discrepancies existed. Although the clinical picture appeared to be acute, bronchiolar lesions and serotest results suggested infection of longer duration. Also, although virus and viral cytopathologic features were detected only in the CV portion of the lungs, the CD portion had extensive lesions that consisted of emphysema and edema.     

Absence of protection against challenge with aspergillus fumigatus by adoptive transfer of splenocytes from convalescent turkeys

Only limited protective immunity against aspergillosis after experimental immunization of turkeys has been previously demonstrated. No studies evaluating the efficacy of transfer of immunity in preventing aspergillosis in birds have been reported. This study consisted of two trials assessing the level of protection against Aspergillus fumigatus challenge afforded by transfer of splenocytes from convalescent turkeys. Three treatment groups of 12-to-14-wk-old Beltsville small white (BSW) turkeys comprising the splenocyte donors were prepared by one of the following: 1) intra-air sac (IA) challenge with A. fumigatus conidia 5 wk prior to transfer; 2) IA challenge and then intravenous (i.v.) injection of killed conidia 1 wk prior to transfer; or 3) sham inoculations. Splenocytes from each group were pooled, enriched for mononuclear leukocytes by density gradient centrifugation, and diluted in cell culture medium (CM). Cell viability was assessed by dye exclusion. Each splenocyte preparation was administered intravenously to one of three recipient groups consisting of 10 BSW turkeys each. A control group (n = 10) was given cell-free CM. Recipients were challenged with viable A. fumigatus conidia 16 hr after splenocyte transfer by unilateral IA (trial 1) or i.v. (trial 2) inoculation. Lesion scores postchallenge revealed no differences between turkeys given splenocytes from convalescent vs. naive (control) turkeys. IA exposure produced ipsilateral lesions in air sacs and lung, whereas i.v. exposure produced severe miliary hepatitis. Donor cell function was confirmed by mitogen blastogenesis; however, cells were nonresponsive to A. fumigatus antigens, regardless of previous exposure status.     

Immunohistopathological findings in the lungs of calves naturally infected with Mycoplasma bovis

Histology and immunohistochemistry were used to analyse the lesions and distribution of Mycoplasma bovis antigen in the lungs of 18 naturally infected calves. Microscopic examination of pneumonic lungs revealed two distinct patterns of necrosis and inflammation. The first pattern was observed in six of 18 (33.3%) calves in which microscopic lesions were characterized by large irregular areas of coagulative necrosis surrounded by a dense zone of degenerated neutrophils. Moderate amounts of mycoplasmal antigen were in the centre and periphery of these necrotic foci and, to a lesser extent, in mononuclear cells of the peribronchial lymphoid tissue. The second pattern was observed in 18 of 18 (100%) calves and consisted of rounded foci of caseous necrosis composed by granular eosinophilic material surrounded by a rim of granulation tissue. Large amounts of M. bovis antigen were detected in the centre and periphery of these necrotic foci and, to a lesser extent, in the peribronchial lymphoid tissue, and alveolar and interstitial macrophages. It was concluded that both caseous and coagulative necrosis of the lung parenchyma was primarily caused by M. bovis. Infection with M. bovis should be suspected in bovine necrotic bronchopneumonia, particularly in cases in which the pulmonary necrosis is part of a pyogranulomatous inflammation centred around airways. The pattern of caseous necrosis with pyogranulomatous inflammation is characteristic of M. bovis infection while the pattern of coagulative necrosis is similar to and must be differentiated from Mannheimia haemolytica and Haemophilus somnus infection.     

Clinical and pathological features of Aspergillus fumigatus infections in poultry in southern Nigeria

This study was undertaken to supply information on Aspergillus fumigatus infection of poultry in Nigeria. The disease in broiler chicks was characterized by gasping, droopiness, emaciation and heavy mortality while affected grower chickens showed emaciation, weakness, diarrhoea and 17 per cent mortality. The disease was sporadic in laying flocks. Granulomatous nodules were observed in birds that died in each outbreak. The nodules were numerous and affected mainly the lungs and thoracic air sacs in the broiler chicks while only few large nodules were observed mainly in the abdominal air sacs in the layers.     

Case report: Libyostrongylus douglassii-associated proventriculitis in ostriches in Germany

Cases of Libyostrongylus douglassii-associated proventriculitis in an adult female ostrich and two ostrich chicks occurring on two farms in different federal states of Germany are described. The adult bird was recently bought and kept under quarantaine conditions without contact to other animals of the herd. Without developing clinical signs of illness, the animal died. At necropsy, typical lesions of wireworm infection were found. The lining of the stomach had a moth-eaten appearance. Massive amounts of adult stages of trichostrongyloid nematodes were diagnosed in histological specimens of the proventricular mucosa and under the koilin layer of the ventriculus. The worms were isolated from the proventriculus and identified as L. douglassii. The feces of the bird contained high amounts of typical eggs of the worms with a medium size of approximately 70 x 40 microm. A polyphasic degeneration of heart and skeletal muscle was diagnosed in addition to the wireworm infection and interpreted to be a result of a malnutrition (Vit. E-/selenium deficiency). The ostrich chicks were reared on another farm and submitted for necropsy because of high mortality (8 out of 12 chicks died). A massive invasion of the proventricular mucosa with L. douglassi was macroscopically and histologically detected at necropsy of the anemic birds.