Occurrence and Molecular Typing of Giardia psittaci in Parakeets in Germany-A Case Study.

Abstract

A grey-hooded parakeet () and two budgerigars () from different owners presented with decreased activity, vomitus, and diarrhea. A microscopic examination of feces showed trophozoites of the protozoan flagellate. A commercial immunochromatographic dipstick test forsp. antigens confirmed the infection. These findings were assured by PCR of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene and coproantigen ELISA. Sequencing of PCR products of the SSU rRNA (292 bp) and β-giardin genes (511 bp) identifiedas the species involved. Therefore, our results show that a GSA 65-based coproantigen ELISA, which was established for diagnosis ofis applicable for the detection of. A treatment with ronidazole was started. Additionally, fecal examination and dissection of the dead birds revealed coinfection with the fungal pathogen. One budgerigar survived and repeatedly tested negative after treatment with ronidazole. The described cases indicate that a single infection withhas a good prognosis, whereas the prognosis is poor when coinfections occur, especially with.