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Peer-reviewed veterinary case report

Disseminated toxoplasmosis in black-footed penguins (Spheniscus demersus).

Journal:
Avian diseases
Year:
2011
Authors:
Ploeg, Margreet et al.
Affiliation:
Department of Pathobiology · Netherlands
Species:
bird

Abstract

Three 1- to 3-mo-old black-footed penguins (Spheniscus Demersus) died within 24 hr of showing central nervous signs such as ataxia. The birds were housed in a baby penguin crèche. At necropsy, peritonitis, pneumonia, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, and renomegaly were evident. Histologically, the liver, lung, brain, and small intestine contained numerous tachyzoites and a few cysts of Toxoplasma. Immunohistochemistry identified the protozoal parasites as Toxoplasma gondii. Ultrastructurally, this was confirmed by the presence of many tachyzoites of T. gondii in the liver and lungs.

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Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22312996/