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Natural Unusual Myeloblastosis in a Budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus): Histopathologic Diagnosis
M Khordadmehr1, J Ashrafi-Helana1, M S Madadi2
1A Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 5166, University of Tabriz, 616471, Iran.
Abstract:
The subgroup J avian leukosis virus favors the myelocytic series cells and causes myeloid leukosis (myeloblastosis and myelocytomatosis). Natural cases of myeloblastosis (myeloblastic myeloid leukosis) are uncommon and usually occur in adult chickens. This paper describes clinical signs and gross and histopathologic features of myeloblastosis in an adult female budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus) that was infected naturally. At necropsy, the spleen was greatly enlarged (enlarged seven or eight times normal) while the other visceral organs were normal. Histologic examination of the spleen indicated a massive intravascular and extravascular accumulation of myeloblasts with a variable proportion of promyelocytes and myelocytes in the red pulp of the spleen.
Insights
Subgroup J avian leukosis virus causes myeloid leukosis. This study details a rare case of myeloblastosis in an adult budgerigar, characterized by an enlarged spleen due to myeloblast accumulation.
Area of Science:
- Avian pathology
- Virology
- Oncology
Background:
- Subgroup J avian leukosis virus (ALV-J) targets myeloid cells, inducing myeloid leukosis.
- Myeloblastosis, a form of myeloid leukosis, is rare in natural avian infections, typically affecting adult chickens.
Observation:
- This report documents clinical and pathological findings of naturally occurring myeloblastosis in an adult female budgerigar.
- Gross examination revealed a significantly enlarged spleen (7-8 times normal size); other organs appeared unaffected.
Findings:
- Histopathology of the spleen showed extensive intravascular and extravascular proliferation of myeloblasts.
- A mixed population of promyelocytes and myelocytes was also observed within the splenic red pulp.
Implications:
- This case expands the known host range and clinical presentation of ALV-J-induced myeloblastosis.
- Highlights the importance of considering myeloblastosis in avian species beyond chickens, particularly budgerigars presenting with splenomegaly.
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