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Published on: October 8, 2018
[Development of morphological changes after experimental Mycobacterium avium infection in ducks and geese]
Abstract:
Ducks and geese were experimentally infected with the Mycobacterium avium. It was demonstrated that intramuscular and peroral infection causes morphological tuberculous changes. The first microscopically detectable changes induced by intramuscular infection occurred within 12 days. After 70 days from infection the affected organs were densely covered with tuberculous lesions. The development of microscopic changes is continuous and the development of affections is accompanied by an increase in the number of mycobacteria detectable in the sections. In ducks this trend is more pronounced than in geese. In both methods of infection liver and spleen are the first and the most frequent organs to be affected.
Insights
Tuberculosis (TB) in poultry: Experimental infection of ducks and geese with Mycobacterium avium revealed that both intramuscular and peroral routes cause tuberculous changes. Liver and spleen were most frequently affected.
Area of Science:
- Avian pathology
- Mycobacterial infections
- Veterinary microbiology
Context:
- Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infections are significant in poultry.
- Understanding avian tuberculosis pathogenesis is crucial for disease control.
- Experimental models are essential for studying avian diseases.
Purpose:
- To investigate the pathological effects of Mycobacterium avium infection in ducks and geese.
- To determine the timeline and progression of tuberculous changes following different infection routes.
- To identify the primary organs affected by avian tuberculosis.
Summary:
- Ducks and geese experimentally infected with Mycobacterium avium developed morphological tuberculous changes via intramuscular and peroral routes.
- Microscopic changes were detectable within 12 days post-intramuscular infection, with extensive lesions observed by 70 days.
- Liver and spleen were consistently the earliest and most frequently affected organs in both species and infection methods.
Impact:
- Provides detailed insights into the pathogenesis of avian tuberculosis.
- Highlights differences in disease progression between ducks and geese.
- Informs veterinary diagnostics and disease management strategies for Mycobacterium avium in poultry.

