Toxoplasmosis in three species of native and introduced Hawaiian birds.
Toxoplasma gondii was found in endemic Hawaiian birds, including 2 nene geese (Nesochen sandvicensis), 1 red-footed booby (Sula sula), and an introduced bird, the Erckels francolin (Francolinus erckelii). All 4 birds died of disseminated toxoplasmosis; the parasite was found in sections of many organs, and the diagnosis was confirmed by immunohistochemical staining with anti-T. gondii-specific polyclonal antibodies. This is the first report of toxoplasmosis in these species of birds.
Work
Thierry M
TM
Hawaii Field Station, National Wildlife Health Center, US Geological Survey, Honolulu 96850, USA. thierry_work@usgs.gov
Massey
J Gregory
JG
Lindsay
David
D
Dubey
J P
JP
D000818:Animals; D001715:Bird Diseases / Q000469:parasitology / Q000473:pathology*; D001717:Birds; D005260:Female; D006254:Hawaii; D006321:Heart / Q000469:parasitology; D007150:Immunohistochemistry / Q000662:veterinary; D008168:Lung / Q000469:parasitology / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D009206:Myocardium / Q000473:pathology; D013687:Telencephalon / Q000469:parasitology / Q000473:pathology; D014122:Toxoplasma / Q000254:growth & development*; D014124:Toxoplasmosis, Animal / Q000469:parasitology / Q000473:pathology*