%0 Journal Article
%T Etiologic Agents and Diseases Found Associated with Clinical Aspergillosis in Falcons
%A Walter Tarello
%J International Journal of Microbiology
%D 2011
%I Hindawi Publishing Corporation
%R 10.1155/2011/176963
%X The aim of this study was to describe parasitological, microbiological, and pathological findings associated with the isolation of Aspergillus species in 94£¿clinically diseased captive falcons from Dubai. Concomitant agents and/or diseases were identified in 64£¿cases, causing either single ( ) or multiple coinfections ( ). Diagnoses found more often in association with aspergillosis were chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome (CFIDS) ( ), Caryospora sp. ( ), Serratospiculum seurati infestation ( ), cestodiasis ( ), bumblefoot ( ), trematodosis due to Strigea falconispalumbi ( ), trichomoniasis ( ), Babesia shortti ( ), Mannheimia (Pastorella) haemolytica ( ), interstitial hepatitis ( ), Escherichia coli ( ), and Clostridium perfringens enterotoxemia ( ). Compared with a control group of 2000£¿diseased falcons without evidence of aspergillosis, the prevalence of Babesia shortti, CFIDS, Mannheimia (Pastorella) haemolytica, Escherichia coli, and falcon herpes virus infection was conspicuously higher in association with aspergillosis. These entities may be considered suitable candidates as predisposing factors for the mycosis. 1. Introduction Aspergillosis is considered the most common systemic mycosis in birds [1] and the most important cause of death in captive falcons [2, 3]. Infections with Aspergillus fumigatus and, less commonly, with A. flavus, A. terreus, and A. niger apparently share the same clinical importance in raptors held in captivity [4]. Clinical signs in birds are nonspecific and include reduction in appetite, weight loss, dyspnoea, lethargy, and death [5]. Avian aspergillosis involves mainly the lower respiratory tract [6]. This also occurs in falcons, in which the majority of reported cases are isolated from the air sacs [4]. These fungi are ubiquitous, but they become pathogenic mainly under stressful conditions, producing opportunistic infections as a result of inhalation of Aspergillus spores coupled with compromised immune functions in the host or in association with prolonged diseases [6¨C8]. Poor ventilation, malnutrition, toxins, vaccinations, long-term use of antibiotics and corticosteroids, hot-humid climate, and stress-associated conditions, such as recent capture, training, and change of ownership, are frequently mentioned as environmental precipitating factors influencing the onset and duration of aspergillosis in falcons [7¨C10]. Unfortunately, what actually causes immunosuppression and/or prolonged disease is rarely mentioned in the literature, because dual or multiple infections with potentially immunocompromising or
%U http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijmicro/2011/176963/