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Encephalomalacia with Enterococcus durans infection in the brain stem and cerebral hemisphere in chicks in Japan

Yuka Abe1, Kikuyasu Nakamura, Manabu Yamada

  • 1Akita Chuo Livestock Hygiene Service Center, Terauchihirune, Akita 011-0904, Japan.

Avian Diseases
|April 19, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Enterococcus durans caused neurological signs and brain lesions in young chicks. This bacterium was identified in multiple organs, suggesting a significant role in chick mortality and disease.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Pathology
  • Avian Microbiology

Background:

  • Neurological diseases in young chicks can lead to significant mortality.
  • Pathological investigation is crucial for diagnosing disease outbreaks in poultry.

Observation:

  • Post-mortem examination of 14 chicks (7-12 days old) revealed neurological signs including depression, paralysis, and incoordination.
  • Brain lesions included malacia (tissue softening) in the brain stem and cerebral hemispheres, often with capillary thrombosis, congestion, and hemorrhage.
  • Gram-positive cocci were observed within capillaries of the malacia lesions.

Findings:

  • Enterococcus durans was consistently isolated from the brain, liver, kidney, lung, and spleen of affected chicks.
  • The presence of E. durans within brain lesions supports its role as the causative agent.
  • This bacterium is implicated in the observed malacia and associated neurological dysfunction.

Implications:

  • Enterococcus durans should be considered a potential cause of neurological disease and mortality in young chicks.
  • Understanding the pathogenesis of E. durans in poultry is vital for disease prevention and control.
  • Diagnostic protocols for chick neurological disease should include microbiological testing for Enterococcus species.

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