Mycobacterial infection in a fairy bluebird (Irena ract puella): a diagnostic conundrum.
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.
San Diego Zoo, 1354 Old Globe Way, San Diego, California 92112, USA. probbins@sandiegozoo.org
P K
PK
Robbins
Scott P
SP
Terrell
Dan
D
Bradway
Fonda
F
Wier
D000818:Animals; D001717:Birds; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D008297:Male; D009162:Mycobacterium avium / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary; D014379:Tuberculosis, Avian / Q000175:diagnosis*
D004269:DNA, Bacterial