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Sequential pathological studies in Japanese quails infected experimentally with Aspergillus fumigatus
S K Chaudhary1, J R Sadana, A K Pruthi
1Department of Veterinary Pathology, Haryana Agricultural University, Hissar, India.
Abstract:
Intratracheal inoculation of young quail chicks with Aspergillus fumigatus spores resulted in the development of characteristic gross and microscopic lesions. The lesions were restricted to respiratory tract and there was no dissemination of infection to other tissues of the body. Gross changes in lungs and air sacs were observed within 24 hours and continued up to 20 days while in trachea these were noticed from the 3rd to the 9th day post-infection. The lesions, in general, included congestion and focal haemorrhages in the first 2 days followed by the development of varying-sized greyish-white nodules in the lungs, air sacs and trachea. Microscopic changes consisted of congestion, haemorrhages and a diffuse cellular infiltration in the first 2 days followed by granulomatous reaction with well developed granulomas in lungs, air sacs and trachea. Spores and developing hyphae of Aspergillus could be demonstrated in sections from 24 hours to 20 days of infection. Reisolation of the fungus was consistently achieved from the lungs, air sacs and trachea up to 14 days.
Insights
Young quail chicks infected with Aspergillus fumigatus developed respiratory tract lesions. The infection remained localized, showing characteristic gross and microscopic changes in the lungs, air sacs, and trachea.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Mycology
- Avian Pathology
Background:
- Aspergillus fumigatus is a common fungal pathogen affecting various animal species.
- Respiratory infections in poultry can lead to significant economic losses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the pathological effects of Aspergillus fumigatus infection in young quail chicks.
- To determine the temporal progression of lesions in the respiratory tract.
Main Methods:
- Intratracheal inoculation of quail chicks with Aspergillus fumigatus spores.
- Gross and histopathological examination of respiratory tissues (lungs, air sacs, trachea).
- Fungal culture and microscopic identification of Aspergillus in tissue sections.
Main Results:
- Characteristic gross lesions (nodules, congestion, haemorrhages) observed in lungs, air sacs, and trachea within 24 hours to 20 days post-infection.
- Microscopic examination revealed granulomatous inflammation and the presence of fungal elements.
- Aspergillus fumigatus was successfully reisolated from respiratory tissues up to 14 days post-infection.
Conclusions:
- Intratracheal Aspergillus fumigatus inoculation causes localized respiratory tract disease in quail chicks.
- The study provides a detailed pathological description of avian aspergillosis.
- Findings are crucial for understanding and managing fungal respiratory diseases in poultry.