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Aspergillosis |
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| Description: |
Aspergillus
- The genus Aspergillus includes a variety of related fungi which cause
aspergillosis.
An important member of this genera is Aspergillus fumigatus. This fungus
produces endotoxins which are generally responsible for the disease known
as aspergillosis. Aspergillus species are common in the environment. Spores
often become airborne in dry windy weather spreading from one location
to another. Spores can enter an individual and develop in the
respiratory system, lungs, eyes, and ears. Sick
Building Syndrome is a condition caused by continuous fungal growth in
areas of buildings and ventilation systems. Growth leads to the release
of more spores.
This can potentially leads to large scale respiratory infections and distress
associated with aspergillosis. *Penicillium
notatum and the antibiotic revolution
Not all fungi
are problematic, in fact some are vital in fighting numerous bacterial infections.
In 1941 Albert Alexander had an infection at the corner of his mouth caused
by the bacteria Staphylococci and Streptococci. Over time the infection
spread to the rest of his face, eyes, and lungs. At the time, two scientists
Howard Florey and Earnest Chain had just begun purifying a substance produced
by the fungus Penicillium notatum that killed bacteria and was discovered
by Alexander Fleming. Albert Alexander's doctor Charles Fletcher knew that
Florey and Chain were looking to test this drug on a human volunteer, and
so on February 1941 Albert Alexander became the first human treated with
penicillin. Within 24 hours of his initial treatment his temperature dropped,
his appetite returned and his infection began to heal.
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| Transmission: |
Inhalation of
conidia (spores) from contaminated feed, fecal material, and soil. The spores
are often present in the environment and healthy unstressed birds are generally
resistant to even high levels of spores. However, young and old birds, birds
on antibiotics, and those birds whose immune systems are suppressed by surgery,
reproduction, environmental changes, capture, shipping, or age are frequently
infected. Aspergillus can also infect the developing embryo by penetrating the egg while the embryo is developing. Infected eggs may develop a slightly greenish tint when candled. Well developed lesions may appear on infected embryos after they hatch. |
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| Symptoms: | Symptoms
range from respiratory distress, gasping, accelerated breathing, voice changes,
abnormal droppings, emaciation, regurgitation, poor appetite, diarrhea,
anorexia, gout, increased thirst, nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, dyspnea,
neuromuscular disease, somnolence, lesions (yellow or gray nodules and/or
plaques in the lungs, air sacs, or trachea; less often in the peritoneal
cavity, liver or other sites).
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| Prevention: | Minimize
stress and overcrowding. Provide proper ventilation. Reduce contact with
mold or spore contaminated nesting materials. Prevent malnutrition with
a proper diet. Make sure feed is properly stored and is free of fungal growth.
Aspergillus spores may be present in corn and grain products as well as
manufactured pellets or extruded food and may develop into fungal growth
if conditions are favorable.
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| Treatment: | Antifungal
treatment - Amphotericin, Flucytosine, Fluconazole & Itraconazole. Immunostimulants.
Surgery may be required with certain localized Aspergillomas.
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| Diagnosis: |
Tentative diagnosis can be made with clinical signs along with the absence of bacterial infection. A blood test showing an elevation in white blood cell count, mild anemia, and an elevation in the monocytes also supports this diagnosis. X-rays can be taken on any suspect patient. A radiograph can reveal densities or nodules consistent with aspergillomas. Samples of the fungus can also be taken, and cultured in specially prepared culture media. Caution - Apergillus is a common environmental contaminant. PCR and sequence assays to identify the presence of Aspergillus and identify specific strains. |
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| Sample: |
When testing
individual birds, a cloacal swab and throat culture is recommended. If the
sample tests positive and clinical signs are positive, the bird should be
placed in quarantine and aggressive treatment should begin immediately. Environmental testing using swabs of aviaries, countertops, fans, air-filters, nest-boxes etc. is extremely effective in determining the presence of Aspergillus in the environment. Remember Aspergillus is found naturally in certain environments without causing any harm. |
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| Handling: |
Prior to shipping samples should be stored
at 4 C. (refrigerator). Samples must be shipped in a padded envelope or
box. Samples may be sent by regular mail, but overnight is recommended.
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| Limitations: |
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| References: | |||
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