Detecção molecular de Mycoplasma em fígado de papagaio verdadeiro (Amazona aestiva) em triagem no CETAS-BH

Abstract

Mycoplasma gallisepticum (Mg) is amongst the most important avian pathogens. Due to the severity of infections and commercial restrictions in the poultry industry, as coordinated by the National Poultry Health Program, it is obligatory the eradication of Mg from breeding flocks, for the conformity to the international trade. Although Mg is well studied in chickens, its status is unknown in wild bird species, particularly those most affected by trafficking, such as the Blue-fronted Amazon parrot (Amazona aestiva). Mg occurrence was investigated by PCR in 100 liver samples from A. aestiva that died at triage in the Wild Animals Triage Center (CETAS-IBAMA) of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. Five samples were found positive (5 / 100) for Mg DNA, birds which stood out with emaciation, gastrointestinal congestion or ischemia, and air sacculitis. It was interesting to notice that 80% of the positive samples for Mg were also positive for Chlamydophila psittaci, as detected in a previous study, which may indicate worsened prognosis for rehabilitation. Considering that liver is not the ideal sampling material for Mg diagnosis, results may indicate subdiagnosis and, if estimates agree with previous findings on Mg, the zoonotic relevance of C. psittaci, may recommend for the regular monitoring and the adoption of a specific health programme for psittacines