Diagnostic case report of aspergillosis (Aspergillus sp.) (Michelli, 1729) in budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus) (Shaw, 1805)

Abstract

Aspergillosis is a disease caused by species of fungi of the genus Aspergillus sp. and is important for wild birds. A female budgerigar ( Melopsittacus undulatus ) presenting with dyspnea, apathy, anorexia, ruffled feathers, and drowsiness with abnormal tail movements, suggesting respiratory distress, was treated in the emergency room at the Center for Wildlife Medicine and Research. The animal died and the body was sent to the Ornithopathology Laboratory. Histopathological examination revealed multifocal areas of mixed inflammatory infiltrate associated with septate fungal hyphae, with dichotomous branching at 45º and a thickness between 2 and 5 μm in the lungs. Microbiological culture confirmed that this was a case of aspergillosis. After a few weeks, the contact animal was brought to the university with respiratory symptoms. The animal underwent imaging tests, and after changes were found on X-rays, it was treated with antifungal medication and showed clinical improvement. Ante-mortem diagnosis and treatment of aspergillosis are still very difficult, so prevention remains the best approach. This highlights the urgent need for better diagnostic tools and the establishment of more effective therapeutic strategies.

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