Inclusion bodies and hepatopathies in psittacines

Intranuclear inclusion bodies in hepatic cells of seven Peach-faced Lovebirds (Agapornis roseicollis), two Black-masked Love birds (A. personata) and two galahs (Cacatua roseicapilla) were examined electron microscopically. Thin sections were prepared from formalin-fixed Epon-embedded tissue or from haematoxylin and eosin stained sections that were subsequently embedded in Epon. Discrete and diffuse eosinophilic inclusions in hepatocytes of eight birds were composed of filaments and virus particles were not demonstrated within them. Virus-like particles of at least three types were found in diffuse, lightly basophilic inclusions of similar appearance in hepatocytes and Kupffer cells or endothelial cells in four birds. Particles, 66 nm in diameter which were probably adenovirus were demonstrated in hepatocytes in one A. roseicollis. Particles 26 nm to 39 nm in diameter which resembled papovaviruses were seen in one A. personata and one C. roseicapilla. Particles of 40 nm to 50 nm in diameter were seen in one A. personata but because of the method of preparation it was not possible to state whether they were adenovirus or papovavirus.