A Survey for Escherichia coli Virulence Factors in Asymptomatic Free-Ranging Parrots

Parrots in captivity are frequently affected by Escherichia coli (E. coli) infections. The objective of this study was to collect information on the carrier state for E. coli pathotypes in asymptomatic free-ranging parrots. Cloacal swabs were collected from nestlings of Hyacinth, Lear’s macaws and Blue-fronted Amazon parrots and tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for virulence factors commonly found in enteropathogenic, avian pathogenic, and uropathogenic E. coli strains. In total, 44 samples were cultured and E. coli isolates were yielded, from which DNA was extracted and processed by PCR. Genes commonly found in APEC isolates from Blue-fronted Amazon parrots and Hyacinth macaws were expressed in 14 of these 44 samples. One atypical EPEC isolate was obtained from a sample from Lear’s macaw. The most commonly found gene was the increased serum survival (iss) gene. This is the first report, that describes such pathotypes in asymptomatic free-living parrots. The findings of this study suggest the presence of a stable host/parasite relationship at the time of the sampling brings a new understanding to the role that E. coli plays in captive and wild parrots. Such information can be used to improve husbandry protocols as well as help conservation efforts of free-living populations. 1. Introduction Parrots are among the most endangered group of birds worldwide, and 15 of the 84 Brazilian species are classified as being vulnerable or critically endangered [1]. Studies on parrot populations are important to establish a database that can be assessed in the event of outbreaks, which could also be useful for subsequent epidemiological studies and conservation efforts [2]. However, health surveys of free-ranging wild animals are mostly focused on retrospective studies on mortality [3, 4]. Research on diseases affecting free-ranging parrots is still scarce and studies performed often fail to maximize the scientific information that could be gathered [2, 5–8]. Such data could be of extreme importance in guiding conservation measures ex situ and in situ. The Hyacinth macaw and Lear’s macaw are well-known flagship species that have suffered heavily owing to the destruction of habitat and illegal trade. A number of studies aimed at promoting their recovery have been performed and actions taken; however, they are still classified as endangered species and face severe threats to their long-term survival [9]. On the other hand, the Blue-fronted Amazon parrot is rated as a species of least concern regarding its conservation status [9]. It is, however, the most