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Isolation and characterization of an avian isolate of Encephalitozoon hellem
K F Snowden1, K Logan, D N Phalen
1Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A & M University, College Station 77843-4467, USA. ksnowden@cvm.tamu.edu
Abstract:
Members of the phylum Microspora are a group of unusual, obligate intracellular eukaryotic parasites that infect a wide range of hosts. However, there are a limited number of microsporidial infections reported in avian hosts, and no parasite species has been defined as an avian pathogen. A microsporidian organism was recovered from the droppings of a clinically normal peach-faced lovebird (Agapornis roseicollis) and established in in vitro culture. Intermittent parasite spore shedding was documented over a 2-month period using calcofluor M2R staining of cloacal swabs. The organism was identified as Encephalitozoon hellem based on protein and antigenic profiles and molecular sequencing of the small subunit and internal transcribed spacer regions of the ribosomal RNA gene.
Insights
A microsporidian parasite, Encephalitozoon hellem, was identified in a peach-faced lovebird. This finding expands the known hosts for this opportunistic pathogen, previously unconfirmed in avian species.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Avian Pathology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Microsporidia are obligate intracellular eukaryotic parasites with diverse hosts.
- Avian microsporidial infections are rare, with no established avian pathogen species.
- This study investigates a novel microsporidian infection in a peach-faced lovebird.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize a microsporidian organism isolated from a clinically normal peach-faced lovebird.
- To determine if Encephalitozoon hellem can infect avian hosts.
- To contribute to understanding microsporidiosis in birds.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and in vitro culture of the microsporidian organism from bird droppings.
- Monitoring spore shedding via calcofluor M2R staining of cloacal swabs.
- Molecular identification using ribosomal RNA gene sequencing (SSU and ITS regions).
- Protein and antigenic profiling for species confirmation.
Main Results:
- A microsporidian organism was successfully isolated and cultured.
- Intermittent spore shedding was observed over two months.
- Molecular and protein analyses confirmed the organism as Encephalitozoon hellem.
- This is the first report of E. hellem in an avian species.
Conclusions:
- Encephalitozoon hellem can infect peach-faced lovebirds.
- This study establishes E. hellem as a potential avian pathogen.
- Further research is needed to assess the prevalence and pathogenicity of E. hellem in avian populations.