Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Unusual cases of chlamydiosis in psittacine birds.
- Journal:
- Veterinary pathology
- Year:
- 2023
- Authors:
- Walsh, Audra L & Shivaprasad, H L
- Affiliation:
- Vetpath Laboratory Services · Australia
- Species:
- bird
Plain-English summary
Avian chlamydiosis is a disease that affects birds, including pet parrots, and is caused by certain bacteria. In a study of 14 unusual cases from 2000 to 2009, these birds showed various symptoms, including severe weight loss and dehydration, and some even died suddenly without any prior signs of illness. Tests revealed inflammation in different organs, such as the brain, ears, and kidneys, and the bacteria were found in all the affected tissues. This research emphasizes the need for careful testing to confirm or rule out chlamydiosis in birds, especially when they show unusual symptoms. The outcome of the study suggests that these cases were serious and required thorough investigation for proper diagnosis.
Abstract
Avian chlamydiosis is a common disease found in domesticated and nondomesticated avian species caused by several species of chlamydiae including but not limited toGenerally, early in the disease course, birds present with mild nonspecific clinical signs associated with gastrointestinal and respiratory tract disease. During end-stage disease, birds may present in a severe state of emaciation, dehydration, and/or acute death with no known history of prior illness. Between 2000 and 2009, 14 unusual cases of avian chlamydiosis were submitted to the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System. Histologic lesions noted in the 14 birds included meningoencephalomyelitis (3 of 13, 23%), otitis media (3 of 8), bursitis (9 of 11, 81%), nephritis (8 of 13, 61%), and orchitis (1 of 8). Corresponding immunopositive chlamydiae intracytoplasmic inclusions were detected in all tissues. Positive immunolabeling was detected in optic nerves (5 of 10, 50%), meninges (5 of 13, 38%), and endothelial cells (14 of 14, 100%) in the absence of significant microscopic lesions. This study highlights unusual gross, histological, and immunohistochemical findings of chlamydiosis in psittacines and highlights the importance of a thorough diagnostic approach when confirming or excluding chlamydiosis in psittacine birds.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36951116/