Gaviiformes, Podicipediformes, and Procellariformes (Loons, Grebes, Petrels, and Albatrosses)

A novel variant of Babesia sp. (Piroplasmida) as a hemoparasite in procellariiform seabirds

Procellariiformes includes pelagic seabirds that only use land for breeding; and also, these sites mostly occur in insular habitats. These peculiar habits make the investigation of hemoparasites a challenging issue. Thus, the data on the blood parasites of Procellariiformes are still scarce. In the order Piroplasmida, 16 species of Babesia have been described in terrestrial birds and seabirds. However, there is no register for Babesia spp. in procellariiform seabirds. Hence, the objective of this survey was to investigate the occurrence of Babesia spp. in these seabirds. A total of 220 tissue samples from 18 different seabird species were analyzed; the samples comprised blood and fragments of liver and spleen. The samples were obtained from live rescued animals and carcasses found along the southern coast of Brazil. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was conducted, followed by phylogenetic analysis. Only one blood sample yielded a positive result, from an adult female Thalassarche chlororhynchos (Atlantic yellow-nosed albatross). The sequence obtained showed the highest identity with sequences of Babesia spp. of birds from the South Pacific, and the isolate was named Babesia sp. strain Albatross. In the phylogenetic analysis, the sequence was grouped within the Babesia sensu stricto group, and further still into a subgroup including Babesia spp. of the Kiwiensis clade (parasites from birds). The phylogenetic analysis also showed that Babesia sp. strain Albatross clustered apart from the Peircei group, a clade that includes Babesia spp. from seabirds. As far as it is known, this is the first report of Babesia sp. in procellariiform seabirds. Babesia sp. strain Albatross may constitute a novel variant of tick-borne piroplasmids associated with the Procellariiformes order.

PLASMA BIOCHEMISTRY AND PROTEIN ELECTROPHORESIS REFERENCE INTERVALS OF THE COMMON LOON (GAVIA IMMER)

There are no published plasma biochemistry reference intervals for any species within the order Gaviiformes, which includes the common loon (Gavia immer). Because of their unique classification and lack of close taxonomic relatives, species-specific values for clinical data in loons are needed. This study determined reference intervals for plasma biochemical values in adult common loons, and reference intervals for protein electrophoresis values in both adult and juvenile common loons. Healthy, wild adult (n = 148, age >3 yr) and juvenile (n = 31, age 4-12 wk) common loons were sampled on freshwater summer breeding territories at study sites across North America. Plasma biochemical analytes included glucose (Glu), total calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, chloride, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), uric acid, cholesterol, triglycerides, creatine kinase, γ-glutamyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, amylase, and bile acids. Protein electrophoresis data included albumin to globulin ratio (A: G), prealbumin, albumin, α1-globulin, α2-globulin, β-globulin, and γ-globulin. Adult females had significantly higher Glu, ALP, and BUN than adult males. Juvenile loons had higher β-globulins than adults, whereas adults had higher α1-globulins. Establishment of complete reference intervals will improve clinical assessment of captive loons, and allow researchers to better understand the health of wild loons in response to the multiple environmental stressors faced by these species.

Morphological and genetic characterization of the first Isospora species (I. lugensae n. sp.) from a Kerguelen petrel (Lugensa brevirostris)

A new coccidian species, Isospora lugensae n. sp., was described from a single Kerguelen petrel (Lugensa brevirostris). Sporulated oocysts (n = 25) were characterized as subspheroidal to ellipsoidal measuring 24-25 μm × 21-23 μm (24.8 × 22.2 μm) in length/width (L/W), respectively, with a ratio of 1.07-1.14 μm (1.12). They contained a bi-layered wall with a thickness of 0.8-1.2 μm (1.0) and the outer layer smooth, with c.2/3 of total thickness. The oocyst contained two polar granules with both micropyle and oocyst residuum absent. Ovoidal sporocysts (n = 25) measured 15-16 μm × 10-11 μm (15.7 × 10.8 μm) in L/W, with a ratio of 1.41-1.49 μm (1.46). A flattened to knob-like Stieda body was present (c.0.5 μm deep × 2.5 μm wide) as well as a rounded to trapezoidal sub-Stieda (c.1.5 μm deep × 3.0 μm wide); however, no para-Stieda body was detected. The sporocyst residuum was composed of scattered spherules of different sizes, while vermiform sporozoites contained a refractile body, nucleus and visible striations. Analysis of the full-length mitochrondrial (mtDNA) genome revealed 3 protein-coding genes, (CytB, COI and COIII), 18 LSU and 14 small subunit (SSU) rDNA fragments, without transfer RNA genes with a total length of 6257 bp. Phylogenetic analysis of genomic SSU ribosomal sequences indicated that Isospora lugensae n. sp. is genetically similar to Eimeria reichenowi, isolated from a red-crowned crane (Grus japonensis) from Japan, with a 96.6% homology. The mtDNA sequence is most similar to Isospora serinuse with a 95.8% genetic similarity. Based on morphological and molecular data, this isolate is a new species of coccidian parasite that to date has only been found in a Kerguelen petrel.

Perforating foreign body in the ventriculus of a pet pigeon (Columba livia domestica)

CASE DESCRIPTION A 2-year-old female pigeon was evaluated because of a 5-day history of lower than typical activity level, weight loss, and polyuria. CLINICAL FINDINGS Whole-body radiography revealed a linear metallic foreign body in the area of the ventriculus. Fluoroscopy followed by contrast-enhanced CT was performed to further characterize the lesion location, revealing that the foreign body had perforated the ventral aspect of the ventriculus wall and that the ventral extremity of the foreign body was surrounded by a mass, consistent with a granuloma. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME A midline celiotomy was performed, and a large granuloma was identified ventral to the ventriculus, adherent to the dorsal aspect of the keel bone. The metallic foreign body (a nail) was removed, and the content of the granuloma was debrided. Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (150 mg/kg [68.2 mg/lb], PO, q 12 h for 10 days), meloxicam (1 mg/kg [0.45 mg/lb], PO, q 12 h for 5 days), and sucralfate (100 mg/kg [45 mg/lb], PO, q 8 h for 10 days) were prescribed. The pigeon made a successful recovery and was still doing well at a 1-year recheck evaluation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Although traumatic gastritis in pigeons has been reported, use of advanced diagnostic imaging for the pigeon of this report facilitated identification of the precise nature of the lesion and, therefore, surgical planning. The outcome for this pigeon suggested that successful resolution of traumatic gastritis may be possible in other affected birds with surgery.