Salmonella Typhimurium Phage Type DT160 Infection in Two Moluccan Cockatoos (Cacatua moluccensis): Clinical Presentation and Pathology

Abstract

This paper reports on two fatal cases of Salmonella Typhimurium phage type DT160 infection in Moluccan cockatoos (Cacatua moluccensis) from a zoological collection in Italy. No previous clinical signs were observed in birds before death, except for anorexia and mild diarrhea in one bird. At post mortem, necrotic foci surrounded by a hyperemic halo were observed in lungs, heart, liver, spleen, kidneys, and intestine. Microscopically, heterophils and macrophages with rare lymphocyte infiltration associated with gram-negative, rod-shaped bacteria aggregates were detected in necrotic foci. Bacteriology confirmed the presence of Salmonella Typhimurium phage type DT160 in the tissues of birds. The source of Salmonella Typhimurium in these birds remains unknown, but the authors emphasize the need to better control Salmonella infections in these avian species because they are important zoonotic agents and responsible for disease in animals and humans. This is the first documentation of Salmonella Typhimurium phage type DT160 infection in Moluccan cockatoos.

Whole-Genome Sequencing ofSalmonellaMississippi and Typhimurium Definitive Type 160, Australia and New Zealand

“…Phylogenomic analysis revealed genetic diversity and persistence of Salmonella Mississippi strains in the environment and animals, suggesting it is endemic with a broad range of host reservoirs in Tasmania that is persisting over time. As in other countries ( 16 , 27 – 29 ), genomic analysis provided evidence that wild birds are a source of human infection with DT160. No characterized antimicrobial resistance genes were detected in any of the DT160 draft genome sequences, suggesting low or no antimicrobial resistance, consistent with other Salmonella strains found in wild birds ( 30 , 31 ).…”

Genome Variation and Molecular Epidemiology of Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium Pathovariants

“…S . Typhimurium DT160 is also a phage type typically associated with the environment and moribund wild birds but not with nonavian species ( 31 – 34 ). However, this phage type was also associated with an extended outbreak in New Zealand between 1998 and 2012, with over 3,000 reported cases of salmonellosis in people.…”

Genomic Analysis of Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium DT160 Associated with a 14-Year Outbreak, New Zealand, 1998–2012

“…DT160 was also isolated from other animals and the environment, but it was not the main Salmonella subtype isolated from these sources ( 8 – 10 ). DT160 has been isolated from animals and environments worldwide ( 11 , 12 ) and is usually associated with moribund birds ( 13 , 14 ). However, before the 1998–2012 outbreak, DT160 had not been reported in New Zealand.…”