Microsporidiosis in a Gouldian finch (Erythrura [Chloebia] gouldiae) |
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Authors: | MS CARLISLE K. SNOWDEN J. GILL M. JONES P. O'DONOGHUE P. PROCIV |
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Affiliation: | IDEXX/Veterinary Pathology Services, PO BOX 1119, Coorparoo, Queensland 4151;College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, 77843-4467, USA;Canley Heights Veterinary Clinic, Harden Street, Canley Heights, New South Wales 2166;Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, The University of Queensland, Queensland 4072;Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, The University of Queensland, Queensland 4072 |
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Abstract: | A 12-day-old nestling Gouldian finch ( Erythrura [Chloebia] gouldiae ) was presented for investigation of a mortality problem in nestling finches raised by Bengalese finch foster parents. On histological examination, large numbers of spores consistent with a microsporidian organism were present within the small intestinal mucosa. Electron microscopy and molecular studies (sequencing the 5' end of the ssu rRNA gene) further defined the organism as Encephalitozoon hellem . Sequence homology with other eukaryotes was determined using a BLASTN search from the NCBI GenBank database. The finch isolate sequences showed greater than 99% homology with those of previously reported human and avian isolates. |
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