Encephalitozoon sp. in the Blue‐Masked Lovebird, Agapornis personata (Reichenow): First Confirmed Report of Microsporidan Infection in Birds

Abstract

A microsporidan tentatively classified as Encephalitozoon sp. on the basis of structure and tinctorial qualities was identified in tissues from a group of blue-masked lovebirds. Agapornis personata (Reichenow). The organism was present in renal tubular epithelial cells, hepatocytes, bile duct epithelial cells, and intestinal epithelial cells. Focal hepatic necrosis occurred around clusters of the organisms but inflammation was minimal or absent in the other infected tissues. Attempts to infect laboratory mice with the organism were unsuccessful. Ultrastructural features were compared with those of E. cuniculi of mammals.

Microsporidian infection in lovebirds (Agapornisspp.)

“…As we were unable to observe the nuclear structure in any of our preparations further classification is less certain. The overall dimension of 1.5 x 1.0 jum is slightly smaller than that (1.3 x 1.7 ßm) reported by Novilla and Kwapien (1978) and the 1 to 2 (xm size quoted by Kemp and Kluge (1975). The staining properties in sections closely agree with observations made by other workers, argyrophilia and PAS-positively being mainly confined to the polar cap and with a much lighter staining affinity of the remainder of the cell wall.…”

“…Microsporidian infection in lovebirds has been previously described in the United States of America (Kemp and Kluge, 1975;Novilla and Kwapien, 1978). Kemp and Kluge (1975) tentatively identified the organisms concerned as an Encephalitozoon sp.…”

“…Kemp and Kluge (1975) tentatively identified the organisms concerned as an Encephalitozoon sp. In both cases the authors reported lesions in the liver, kidney and small intestine.…”

DNA Detection and Genotypic Identification of Potentially Human-Pathogenic Microsporidia from Asymptomatic Pet Parrots in South Korea as a Risk Factor for Zoonotic Emergence

“…Microsporidiosis in birds was first described in masked lovebirds (Agapornis personta) in 1975 (13). After identification of microsporidia in birds, birds were considered the primary hosts of E. hellem, and droppings of asymptomatic pet birds were considered a potential environmental source of E. hellem infection in humans (2).…”

Microsporidiosis in a Lovebird

“…4 Five well-documented reports of microsporidiosis in avian species have been recorded. 3,6,7,9,10 Lesions were described in the liver, intestine, and kidney in 4 cases. In 1 lovebird, lesions were found in the liver, lung, and kidney.…”