title: Avian pox infection with secondary Candida albicans encephalitis in a juvenile golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos).
abstract: Abstract: A juvenile golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) was presented with proliferative epithelial lesions, consistent with avian poxvirus infection, around the eyes, on commissures of the beak, and on both feet. Despite treatment, the eagle declined clinically, and, 15 days after presentation, the eagle began seizuring and was euthanatized because of a poor prognosis. On postmortem examination, avian poxvirus infection was confirmed in the nodular skin lesions, and Candida albicans was cultured from the skin, lungs, and brain. Breaks in the skin barrier from poxvirus infection likely led to secondary infection with C albicans. Systemic vascular dissemination of C albicans to the brain resulted in thrombosis, hemorrhage, local hypoxia, and the clinically observed seizures. The combination of the breach in the primary immune system, immunosuppression, and a prolonged course of antibiotics were contributory factors to the opportunistic fungal infection in this eagle. Candida albicans should be considered as a differential diagnosis for encephalitis in an immunocompromised avian patient.
authors.affiliation: North Shore Veterinary Specialist Centre, 64 Atchison Drive, Crow's Nest, NSW, 2050, Australia.
authors.forename: Alana N
authors.initials: AN
authors.lastname: Shrubsole-Cockwill
authors.forename: Caroline
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Millins
authors.forename: Claire
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Jardine
authors.forename: Kelti
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kachur
authors.forename: Dennilyn L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Parker
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018150:Avipoxvirus / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D001715:Bird Diseases / Q000382:microbiology*; D002176:Candida albicans; D002177:Candidiasis / Q000209:etiology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D002531:Cerebellum / Q000473:pathology; D020307:Eagles; D004660:Encephalitis / Q000209:etiology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D005528:Foot / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D011213:Poxviridae Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000662:veterinary*; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents