title: A Survey for Escherichia coli Virulence Factors in Asymptomatic Free-Ranging Parrots.
abstract: Parrots in captivity are frequently affected by Escherichia coli (E. coli) infections. The objective of this study was to collect information on the carrier state for E. coli pathotypes in asymptomatic free-ranging parrots. Cloacal swabs were collected from nestlings of Hyacinth, Lear's macaws and Blue-fronted Amazon parrots and tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for virulence factors commonly found in enteropathogenic, avian pathogenic, and uropathogenic E. coli strains. In total, 44 samples were cultured and E. coli isolates were yielded, from which DNA was extracted and processed by PCR. Genes commonly found in APEC isolates from Blue-fronted Amazon parrots and Hyacinth macaws were expressed in 14 of these 44 samples. One atypical EPEC isolate was obtained from a sample from Lear's macaw. The most commonly found gene was the increased serum survival (iss) gene. This is the first report, that describes such pathotypes in asymptomatic free-living parrots. The findings of this study suggest the presence of a stable host/parasite relationship at the time of the sampling brings a new understanding to the role that E. coli plays in captive and wild parrots. Such information can be used to improve husbandry protocols as well as help conservation efforts of free-living populations.
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, 05508 270 São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: André
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Becker Saidenberg
authors.forename: Neiva Maria
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Robaldo Guedes
authors.forename: Gláucia Helena
authors.initials: GH
authors.lastname: Fernandes Seixas
authors.forename: Mariangela
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: da Costa Allgayer
authors.forename: Erica
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Pacífico de Assis
authors.forename: Luis
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Fabio Silveira
authors.forename: Priscilla
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Anne Melville
authors.forename: Nilson Roberti
authors.initials: NR
authors.lastname: Benites