Disseminated toxoplasmosis in magpie geese (Anseranas semipalmata) with large numbers of tissue cysts in livers

J. P. Dubey, M. W. Garner, M. M. Willette, K. L. Batey, C. H. Gardiner

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

47 Scopus citations

Abstract

Fatal disseminated Toxoplasma gondii infection was diagnosed in 2 captive magpie geese (Anseranas semipalmata) from a zoo in Texas. Both geese died suddenly, without apparent clinical signs. Lesions associated with T. gondii tachyzoites were seen in lungs, pancreas, liver, adrenals, bursa of Fabricius, spleen, brain, and kidneys. Toxoplasmic pneumonia and hepatitis were considered to be the primary cause of death. An unusual feature was the presence of numerous tissue cysts in hepatocytes of both geese. The diagnosis was confirmed immunohistochemically. Antibodies to T. gondii were found in 2 of 11 other geese from the zoo examined using the modified agglutination test. This is the first report of T. gondii infection in magpie geese (Anseranas semipalmata).

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)219-223
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Parasitology
Volume87
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2001

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