Extraintestinal isosporoid coccidian causing atoxoplasmosis in captive green-winged saltators: clinical and hematological features

Abstract

Populations of green-winged saltators, Saltator similis, are decreasing especially because of illegal trade and infectious diseases. We describe natural cases of an extraintestinal isosporoid coccidian in caged S. similis, and suggest the need of preventive measures in handling these birds. Nonspecific clinical signs were seen in all of them, however, intracytoplasmic Atoxoplasma sp. was found in peripheral blood, reinforcing the idea of systemic isosporosis. Leukocytosis with high number of heterophils and monocytes suggested that atoxoplasmosis in green-winged saltators can progress as an acute disease. The birds showed clinical improvement after treatment. Handling recommendations were proposed to upgrade hygienic conditions of the facilities. We concluded that nonspecific symptoms and an acute inflammatory process can be associated with atoxoplasmosis in young S. similis. We emphasize the importance of blood smear to detect merozoites.

Enteroparasites and risk factors for infection in native and exotic domiciled birds in the North Pioneer region of Paraná State, Brazil

“…Endoparasites of the genus Isospora and Eimeria are generalists and have been described in various species of birds, as well as other wild and domestic animals (Carneiro et al, 2011). Isospora parasitizes the enterocytes of birds, resulting in enteric diseases (Moura et al, 2023).…”

“…Isospora parasitizes the enterocytes of birds, resulting in enteric diseases (Moura et al, 2023). Its cycle can be extraintestinal, but depending on the species, the protozoan can be transported through the blood vessels to multiple organs, infecting mononuclear cells and causing a disease known as systemic isosporosis or atoxoplasmosis (Berto et al, 2011;Campos et al, 2017).…”

A Survey of Diseases in Different Species of Wild, Captive, and Illegally Traded Birds in Brazil

“…Atoxoplasma sp. was the parasitic disease diagnosed with the most severe lesions and has mainly been reported in young birds, often in Passeriformes [ 38 ] under stressful conditions [ 39 ], and is endemic to wild birds [ 35 ]. However, when it occurs in captive birds, inappropriate handling conditions favor the development of this infection [ 40 ], similar to what was observed in the birds in this study.…”