Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 19, 2026
12:00
Procedures for Identifying Infectious Prions After Passage Through the Digestive System of an Avian Species
Published on: November 6, 2013
Bacillus cereus infection outbreak in captive psittacines
S N Godoy1, E R Matushima, J Q Chaves
1Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia da Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques Paiva, 87 - Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Veterinary Microbiology
|August 21, 2012
Summary
An uncommon Bacillus cereus outbreak caused the sudden death of 12 psittacines in a Brazilian zoo. Microbiological and histopathological analyses confirmed Bacillus cereus as the causative agent, highlighting its toxigenic potential in avian species.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Avian Medicine
- Microbiology
Background:
- Psittacines, particularly large macaws, are susceptible to bacterial infections.
- Bacillus cereus is a known foodborne pathogen but rarely reported as a cause of epizootic outbreaks in birds.
- Zoo environments can facilitate the rapid spread of infectious agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate an epizootic outbreak causing sudden death in psittacines at a Brazilian zoo.
- To identify the causative agent and characterize the genetic and toxigenic profiles of the isolated bacteria.
- To confirm the role of the identified bacterium in the mortality of the birds.
Main Methods:
- Necropsy and histopathological examination of deceased psittacines.
- Isolation and microbiological characterization of bacterial strains from blood and sterile organs.
- Repetitive element PCR (Rep-PCR) for genetic diversity assessment.
- Toxigenic gene profiling (hblA, hblC, hblD, nheA, nheB, nheC, cytK, ces, entFM) of Bacillus cereus strains.
Main Results:
- Post-mortem findings included lung hemorrhage, hepatic congestion, hemorrhagic enteritis, and cardiac congestion.
- Histopathology revealed Gram-positive bacilli with mononuclear inflammatory infiltrates in multiple organs.
- All 17 Bacillus cereus strains belonged to toxigenic profile I, possessing HBL and NHE gene complexes, entFM, and cytK genes.
- Rep-PCR analysis showed two closely related genetic profiles (Type A and B) among the isolates.
Conclusions:
- Bacillus cereus was confirmed as the causative agent of the epizootic outbreak in psittacines.
- The isolated strains exhibited a toxigenic profile associated with virulence factors.
- Antibiotic prophylaxis was successful, supporting the microbiological and histopathological findings.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Investigation of Disease Outbreaks
Multistate foodborne outbreaks pose significant public health risks and require meticulous investigation to identify sources and implement control measures. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) utilizes a dynamic seven-step process for these investigations, integrating data from laboratories, interviews, and environmental assessments to protect public health.Outbreak Detection: The detection of multistate outbreaks typically begins with PulseNet, the CDC's national laboratory...
01:30Reservoir of Infection
Infectious diseases arise from intricate interactions between pathogens and their reservoirs. A reservoir of infection refers to the natural habitat where a pathogen lives, grows, and multiplies, serving as a continual source of infection. Reservoirs are broadly classified as either living or nonliving, and each plays a unique role in disease transmission, significantly influencing public health interventions and control strategies.Humans act as reservoirs for a wide array of pathogens,...
01:18Bacterial Gastroenteritis
Bacterial gastroenteritis, characterized by diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting, is often caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water and is frequently associated with pathogenic Escherichia coli strains. These microbes exploit two principal mechanisms to inflict disease.Shiga toxin–producing E. coli, also referred to as STEC—notably O157:H7—release Shiga toxins that target ribosomes, blocking protein synthesis. The B subunit of the toxin binds the host glycolipid receptor...
01:30Bacterial Phylum Spirochaetes
Spirochetes, unique bacteria in the phylum Spirochaetes, are gram-negative, motile, tightly coiled, slender, and flexible. They inhabit aquatic sediments and animals, with some causing diseases like syphilis. Spirochetes are classified into eight genera based on habitat, pathogenicity, phylogeny, and characteristics.Their distinctive motility arises from endoflagella, located within the cell’s periplasm. These endoflagella anchor at the cell poles and extend along the cell length, encased by a...
01:29Pneumonia I: Introduction
Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...
01:30Pneumonia I: Introduction
Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...