Enzootic Mycobacterium avium infection in captive Parma wallabies (Macropus parma) with unusual spinal cord manifestations
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H A Schoon1, D Schoon, G Kirpal
1Institute of Pathology, Hannover Veterinary School, Germany.
Abstract:
Pathological, microbiological and clinical findings in Parma wallabies (Macropus parma) with an enzootic infection caused by Mycobacterium avium are described. Disorders of locomotion resulted from granulomatous myelitis, meningitis and radiculitis in the lumbosacral spinal cord. Lesions found in a number of internal organs suggested protracted systemic infection due to an alimentary or airborne infection with Mycobacterium avium. This organism was isolated and identified by methods that included microbiological examinations, based on microscopy, culture, in-vitro tests, animal inoculation, polymerase chain reaction and cycle sequencing.
Insights
Parma wallabies suffer from Mycobacterium avium infection, causing spinal cord inflammation and locomotion issues. This systemic infection affects internal organs, highlighting the need for further research into wildlife diseases.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Microbiology
- Wildlife Health
Background:
- Enzootic infections in wildlife populations can have significant health impacts.
- Mycobacterium avium is a known pathogen with a broad host range.
- Understanding disease mechanisms in marsupials is crucial for conservation efforts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the pathological, microbiological, and clinical findings of Mycobacterium avium infection in Parma wallabies.
- To investigate the cause of locomotion disorders in affected animals.
- To characterize the systemic spread and identification methods for Mycobacterium avium in this species.
Main Methods:
- Necropsy and histopathological examination of affected Parma wallabies.
- Microbiological culture and in-vitro testing for Mycobacterium avium.
- Molecular identification using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and cycle sequencing.
- Animal inoculation studies to confirm pathogenicity.
Main Results:
- Granulomatous myelitis, meningitis, and radiculitis in the lumbosacral spinal cord were identified as the cause of locomotion disorders.
- Lesions in internal organs indicated a protracted systemic infection.
- Mycobacterium avium was successfully isolated and identified using a combination of microbiological and molecular techniques.
Conclusions:
- Mycobacterium avium causes severe neurological and systemic disease in Parma wallabies.
- The infection likely results from alimentary or airborne exposure.
- Comprehensive diagnostic methods are effective for identifying Mycobacterium avium in wildlife.