Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in a captive bird Cyanocompsa brissonii (Cardinalidae) in Mendoza, Argentina

Palma Leotta, M.; Pelegrina, M.; Cáceres, A.: Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in a captive bird Cyanocompsa brissonii (Cardinalidae) in Mendoza, Argentina. Rev. vet. 26: 1, 79-81, 2015. This report presents a case of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in a captive bird Cyanocompsa brissonii (“ultramarine grosbeak”). The lesions observed suggest the infiltrative or superficial diffuse form of the disease, typical of the serosae and lungs. The infection and later death could be the outcome of a number of factors impairing the bird’s immunity, and so predisposing to mycosis. The organism found was identified as Aspergillus fumigatus, based on the conidiophores characteristics, justifying the histopathological diagnosis of aspergillosis. From the epidemiological point of view, C. brissonii could be considered as potential reservoir of Aspergillus spp. when considering human disease. Moreover, when released back into the wild, it must be considered that disease introduction may have negatively impact on natural populations.