Korean J Vet Res.  2019 Dec;59(4):227-230. 10.14405/kjvr.2019.59.4.227.

Aspergillus fumigatus infection in an ostrich with an enlarged neck due to respiratory problems

• KMID: 2470124
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14405/kjvr.2019.59.4.227

Abstract

This study describes a sudden death in an ostrich (Struthio camelus) with a big neck. Grossly, the air sacs were thickened. Yellow to white, round or coalescent material was scattered on the air sacs. However, the cervical air sac was normal. Histopathologically, multinucleated giant cells, heterophils, and macrophages had infiltrated the air sacs, and many hyphae were seen in the air sacs and on their surfaces. Pyogranulomatous inflammation with intralesional hyphae was observed throughout the lungs. Aspergillus fumigatus was identified microbiologically. In conclusion, the affected animal died because of the respiratory disturbance caused by mycotic airsacculitis and pneumonia.

MeSH Terms

Air Sacs
Animals
Aspergillus fumigatus*
Aspergillus*
Death, Sudden
Giant Cells
Hyphae
Inflammation
Lung
Macrophages
Neck*
Pneumonia