Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Mycobacterial infection in a fairy bluebird (Irena ract puella): a diagnostic conundrum.
- Journal:
- Journal of zoo and wildlife medicine : official publication of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians
- Year:
- 2009
- Authors:
- Robbins, P K et al.
- Affiliation:
- San Diego Zoo · United States
- Species:
- bird
Abstract
An adult male, wild-caught fairy bluebird (Irena puella) was evaluated after diagnosis of hepatic mycobacterial disease in a bird sharing the same quarantine space. Initial results did not reveal leukocytosis or acid-fast organisms in a liver biopsy. However, Mycobacterium avium was found in the liver via polymerase chain reaction (PCR). After euthanasia, acid-fast stains remained negative in the liver, although PCR was positive and M. avium complex (identified by high-performance liquid chromatography) was isolated from the liver. PCR could offer a relatively sensitive and rapid diagnostic test in the investigation of mycobacterial disease in avian patients.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19368260/