Vinpocetine protects against chloroquine-induced cardiotoxicity by mitigating oxidative stress.

Chloroquine (CQ) and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) are classical antimalarial drugs, and recently have been used for other applications including coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Although they are considered safe, cardiomyopathy may associate CQ and HCQ applications particularly at overdoses. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the potential protective effect of the nootropic agent vinpocetine against CQ and HCQ adverse effects with a specific focus on the heart. For this purpose, a mouse model of CQ (0.5 up to 2.5 g/kg)/HCQ (1 up to 2 g/kg) toxicity was used, and the effect of vinpocetine was evaluated by survival, biochemical, as well as histopathological analyses. Survival analysis revealed that CQ and HCQ caused dose-dependent lethality, which was prevented by co-treatment with vinpocetine (100 mg/kg, oral or intraperitoneal). To gain deeper understanding, a dose of 1 g/kg CQ-which did not cause death within the first 24 h after administration-was applied with and without vinpocetine administration (100 mg/kg, intraperitoneal). The CQ vehicle group showed marked cardiotoxicity as evidenced by significant alterations of blood biomarkers including troponione-1, creatine phosphokinase (CPK), creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB), ferritin, and potassium levels. This was confirmed at the tissue level by massive alteration of the heart tissue morphology and coincided with massive oxidative stress. Interestingly, co-administration of vinpocetine strongly ameliorated CQ-induced alterations and restored the antioxidant-defense system of the heart. These data suggest that vinpocetine could be used as an adjuvant therapy together with CQ/HCQ applications.

Compartment 1 acidosis associated with hemorrhagic diathesis causing mortalities among racing camels in Oman.

Camels are adapted to digestion of dry rough forages for their nutrition, and sudden change to highly digestible feed during the racing season causes digestive disorders. The current study investigated the cause of death among racing dromedary camels within 3-7 days following a sudden onset of fever ≈ 41 °C, colic with tarry feces, and enlarged superficial lymph nodes. Marked leukopenia, low RBC count and thrombocytopenia, deranged liver and renal function tests, and prolonged coagulation profiles were reported. Compartment 1 fluid revealed a pH of 4.3-5.2 with absence or few ciliated protozoa and Gram-positive microbial flora. Widespread petechial to ecchymotic hemorrhages were observed in various organs including the gastrointestinal tract (compartment 3 and colon), lungs, and heart. Fibrin thrombi in arterioles, capillaries, venules, and medium-sized veins were observed especially in the pulmonary interstitium, submucosa of the large intestine (ascending colon), deep dermis, and renal cortex. Furthermore, widespread hemorrhages and necrosis were constant histopathological lesions in parenchymatous organs. Based on clinical signs, hematology, blood biochemistry, and gross and microscopical findings, the cases were diagnosed as compartment 1 acidosis associated with hemorrhagic diathesis and endotoxicosis. Finally, compartment 1 acidosis associated with hemorrhagic diathesis is a serious fatal disease on the Arabian Peninsula in racing dromedaries causing multi-organ dysfunction and coagulopathy and disseminated hemorrhages.

Wound healing properties of green (using Lawsonia inermis leaf extract) and chemically synthesized ZnO nanoparticles in albino rats.

Wound healing is one of the utmost medical issues in human and veterinary medicine, which explains the urgent need for developing new agents that possess wound healing activities. The present study aimed to assess the effectiveness of green and chemical zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) for wound healing. ZnO-NPs (green using Lawsonia inermis leaf extract and chemical) were synthesized and characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The gels containing the nanomaterials were prepared and inspected. Forty-five albino rats were divided into three groups, the control group was treated with normal saline 0.9%, and the other two groups were treated with gels containing green or chemical ZnO-NPs, respectively. On the 3rd, 7th, 14th, and 21st days post-treatment (PT), the wounds were clinicopathologically examined. Both nanomaterials have good crystallinity and high purity, but green ZnO-NPs have a longer nanowire length and diameter than chemical ZnO-NPs. The formed gels were highly viscous with a pH of 6.5 to 7. The treated groups with ZnO-NP gels showed clinical improvement, as decreased wound surface area (WSA) percent (WSA%), increased wound contraction percent (WC%), and reduced healing time (p < 0.05) when compared with the control group. The histological scoring showed that the epithelialization score was significantly higher at the 21st day post-treatment in the treated groups than in the control group (p < 0.05), but the vasculature, necrosis, connective tissue formation, and collagen synthesis scores were mostly similar. The green and chemical ZnO-NP gels showed promising wound healing properties; however, the L. inermis-mediated ZnO-NPs were more effective.

The contribution of bovines to human health against viral infections.

In the last 40 years, novel viruses have evolved at a much faster pace than other pathogens. Viral diseases pose a significant threat to public health around the world. Bovines have a longstanding history of significant contributions to human nutrition, agricultural, industrial purposes, medical research, drug and vaccine development, and livelihood. The life cycle, genomic structures, viral proteins, and pathophysiology of bovine viruses studied in vitro paved the way for understanding the human counterparts. Calf model has been used for testing vaccines against RSV, papillomavirus vaccines and anti-HCV agents were principally developed after using the BPV and BVDV model, respectively. Some bovine viruses-based vaccines (BPIV-3 and bovine rotaviruses) were successfully developed, clinically tried, and commercially produced. Cows, immunized with HIV envelope glycoprotein, produced effective broadly neutralizing antibodies in their serum and colostrum against HIV. Here, we have summarized a few examples of human viral infections for which the use of bovines has contributed to the acquisition of new knowledge to improve human health against viral infections covering the convergence between some human and bovine viruses and using bovines as disease models. Additionally, the production of vaccines and drugs, bovine-based products were covered, and the precautions in dealing with bovines and bovine-based materials.

First record of the nematode, Huffmanela sp. infecting the broomtail wrasse (Cheilinus lunulatus) from Egypt.

A total of 385 Red Sea coral reef fish representing three species; Broom tail wrasse (Cheilinus lunulatus), Blacktip grouper (Epinephelus fasciatus) and Rabbit fish (Siganus sp.). were examined for the presence of nematode Huffmanela species. The eggs of Huffmanela species were isolated and identified only from the C. lunulatus. The total prevalence of Huffmanela sp. infestation were 69.5%. The highest prevalence was observed in winter and the lowest in spring and summer. The prevalence was increased in correlation with fish body weight. Fully developed eggs of Huffmanela species were dark brown embryonated, elongated, with slightly protruding plugs. A high density of Huffmanela sp. eggs with different developmental stages packed the epithelial layer of the gas bladder. The surrounding tissue of gas bladder was hemorrhagic and sometimes necrotic associated with chronic inflammatory cell infiltration. This is the first record of Huffmanela species infestation in Broom tail wrasse C. lunulatus, Red Sea coral reef fishes.

Time Course-Dependent Study on Equine Herpes Virus 9-Induced Abortion in Syrian Hamsters.

This study aimed to follow the time-course pathogenesis of EHV-9 abortion in early and late trimesters. Twenty-seven pregnant hamster dams were divided into three groups: (G1) control, (G2) EHV-9-inoculated on the 5th day (early trimester), and (G3) EHV-9-inoculated on the 10th day of gestation (late trimester). Dams were sacrificed at different time points during gestation and examined for viremia and viral DNA in different fetal and maternal tissues and pathological changes in fetal tissue, placenta, and cytokines. Animals in G3 showed a marked increase in the number of dead fetuses than those in G2. Histopathological findings of G2 showed early band coagulative necrosis of maternal spaces and stromal decidual cells. Necrotic changes were observed within the decidua basalis, spongiotrophoblast layer, and labyrinth. First, the virus was localized within mononuclear leukocytes in the decidua capsularis and basalis, and within the necrotic chorionic villi and cervical epithelium. G3 demonstrated degenerative changes within the chorionic villi and trophospongium. The virus antigen was observed within the chorionic villi, trophoblasts, mononuclear cells, and fetal tissues. In conclusion, EHV-9 induced abortion mostly occurs through necrosis of the chorionic villi and cannot cross through the capsular placenta in the early trimester but can through the developed decidual placentation.

Avipoxvirus infection in two captive Japanese cormorants (Phalacrocorax capillatus).

Cormorant fishing is a traditional Japanese fishing method using captive Japanese cormorants (Phalacrocorax capillatus). Between June and July 2017, an avian pox outbreak was reported in captive cormorant populations throughout several distant cities in Japan. We examined the lesions obtained from two such affected cormorants, which were raised in distant cities. The affected cormorants were grossly characterized by the development of cutaneous nodules around the base of the beak. Histopathologically, these nodules consisted of marked epidermal hyperplasia with ballooning degeneration of spinous cells and eosinophilic intracytoplasmic inclusions (Bollinger bodies). The lesions displayed 4b core protein (P4b) of Avipoxvirus (APV) and DNA polymerase genes, which were detected by PCR. Moreover, the nucleotide sequences detected from both cormorants were found to be identical. No identical sequence was found in any international database. These findings suggest that both examined cormorants were infected with an identical APV, which has never been previously reported. According to the phylogenetic analysis, the detected sequences were observed to cluster in subclade A3, which consists mainly of the sequences detected from several marine birds, including other cormorant species. This observation suggests that the viruses might be maintained in Japanese cormorants in nature.

Poxvirus infection in a Steller's sea eagle (Haliaeetus pelagicus).

A severely emaciated adult Steller's sea eagle (Haliaeetus pelagicus) was found dead with electrocution-induced severe wing laceration, and with multiple cutaneous pock nodules at the periocular regions of both sides nearby the medial canthi and rhamphotheca. Histopathological examination of the nodules revealed hyperplasia of the epidermis with vacuolar degeneration and intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies (Bollinger bodies). The proventriculus was severely affected by nematodes and was ulcerated. Nucleotide sequencing of a PCR-amplified product of Avipoxvirus 4b core gene revealed 100% identity to the sequence of Avipoxvirus derived from other eagle species. This report describes the first detection of Avipoxvirus clade A from a Steller's sea eagle.

Candida parapsilosis and Candida tropicalis infections in an Okhotsk snailfish (Liparis ochotensis).

An Okhotsk snailfish (Liparis ochotensis) kept at Nagoya aquarium exhibited sudden death. Microscopically, the fish showed multiple granulomatous foci in the gills, liver and kidney. Multiple yeast-like organisms as well as pseudohyphal elements were observed within granulomatous lesions. Immunohistochemically, the hyphae were negative for both Asperigullus and Mucor spp., and a weak positive for Candida sp. The seminated-PCR product was consistent with Candida parapsilosis and C. tropicalis. This is the first record of disseminated mycotic granulomatous lesion due to C. parapsilosis and C. tropicalis infection in fish.

Protective Effects of Fullerene C60 Nanoparticles and Virgin Olive Oil against Genotoxicity Induced by Cyclophosphamide in Rats.

The potential effects of the fullerene C60 nanoparticle (C60) as well as virgin olive oil (VOO) against the cyclophosphamide- (CP-) induced cytotoxic and mutagenic effects were evaluated by two main methods: molecular intersimple sequence repeat (ISSR) assay and cytogenetic biomarkers. Thirty adult male rats were divided to five groups (control, CP, C60, CP + C60, and CP + VOO). CP was i.p. injected with a single dose of 200 mg/kg; C60 and VOO were given orally (4 mg/kg dissolved in VOO and 1 ml, resp.) in alternative days for 20 days. The ISSR analysis revealed an increased in the DNA fragmentation level for liver and heart tissues represented by 21.2% and 32.6%, respectively, in the CP group. The DNA polymorphism levels were modulated and improved in CP + C60 (8.9% and 12%) and CP + VOO (9.8% and 12.7%) for hepatic and cardiac tissues, respectively. The bone marrow cytogenetic analysis revealed that C60 and VOO had significantly decreased the frequency of CP-induced chromosomal aberrations (chromosomal ring, deletion, dicentric chromosome, fragmentation, and polyploidy). Fullerene C60 and VOO have ability to reduce DNA damage and decrease chromosomal aberrations. In conclusion, fullerene C60 and VOO have protective effects against the CP-induced mutagenicity and genotoxicity. Fullerene C60 and VOO open an interesting field concerning their potential antigenotoxic agents against deleterious side effects of chemotherapeutics.

Impacts of fullerene C60 and virgin olive oil on cadmium-induced genotoxicity in rats.

Currently, cadmium is considered to be one of the major environmental pollutants. Environmentally, cadmium is released in various forms e.g. oxide, chloride and sulphide. The aim of the present study was to examine the genotoxic impact of fullerene nanoparticles C60 (C60) and virgin olive oil (VOO) on cadmium chloride (CdCl2)-induced genotoxicity in rats. To evaluate these effects on DNA damage and chromosomal frequency, 25 albino rats were randomly assigned to 5 groups (n=5 per group): Group 1 served as a control; Group 2 received a single intraperitoneal dose of CdCl2 (3.5mg/kg); Group 3 animals were treated with C60 (4mg/kg, orally) every other day for 20days; Group 4 received a single intraperitoneal dose of CdCl2 (3.5mg/kg) and an oral dose of C60 (4mg/kg); and Group 5 received a single intraperitoneal dose of CdCl2 (3.5mg/kg) and oral doses of VOO every other day for 20 consecutive days. Genotoxic and anti-genotoxic effects of C60 and VOO were evaluated in the liver, kidney and bone marrow using molecular and cytogenetic assays. As expected, CdCl2 and C60 administration was associated with band number alterations in both liver and kidney; however, C60 pretreatment recovered to approximately basal number. Surprisingly, C60 and VOO significantly attenuated the genotoxic effects caused by CdCl2 in livers and kidneys. In bone marrow, in addition to a reduction in the chromosomal number, several chromosomal aberrations were caused by CdCl2. These chromosomal alterations were also reversed by C60 and VOO. In conclusion, molecular and cytogenetic studies showed that C60 and VOO exhibit anti-genotoxic agents against CdCl2-induced genotoxicity in rats. Further studies are needed to investigate the optimal conditions for potential biomedical applications of these anti-genotoxic agents.

Fullerene C60 nanoparticles ameliorated cyclophosphamide-induced acute hepatotoxicity in rats.

Cyclophosphamide (CP), a chemotherapeutic agent, induces hepatotoxicity as one of its side effects. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to investigate the potential hepatoprotective effects of fullerene C60 nanoparticles (C60) against the high toxic dose of CP. Twenty five albino rats were randomly assigned to 5 groups (n=5 per group). Group 1 served as a control. Group 2 received 200mg/kg of CP once intraperitoneally, while group 3 treated with the same CP dose plus C60 (4mgkg, orally) daily for 10days. Group 4 exposed CP and ZnCl2 (4mgkg, orally) daily for 10days. Group 5 exposed to CP and co-treated with C60 and ZnCl2. One day after last treatment, blood and livers were collected for hematological, biochemical and histopathological investigations. C60 normalized significantly RBCs, HB, PCV, WBCs and platelets numbers compared to CP-exposed rats. Moreover, liver enzymes namely ALT, AST and ALP revealed that CP elevated their levels and C60 significantly (p<0.05) reduced them to basal levels. The level of oxidative stress marker namely, MDA was elevated upon CP exposure and normalized by C60 treatment. In addition, antioxidant systems e.g. GSH, CAT and SOD were depleted from liver tissue due to CP toxicity these were recovered by C60 administration. The hepatoprotective effects of C60 on tested parameters were comparable with ZnCl2 and neither additive nor synergistic effect was observed. Histopathogically, severe liver degeneration was recorded after CP treatment, however, only mild changes were observed after C60 administration. Our data suggest that C60 improves both blood and hepatic parameters altered by cyclophosphamide-induced toxicities. The current study is of clinical relevance particularly, application of C60 as a monotherapy or in combination to ameliorate the CP side effects in cancer-treated patients.

Effect of a bradykinin-potentiating factor isolated from scorpion venom (Leiurus quinquestriatus) on some blood indices and lipid profile in irradiated rats.

Bradykinin appears to be an important regulator of cardiovascular function. It is also being increasingly noted as a participant in actions of drugs that affect the liver, kidney, and circulation. In our previous studies, bradykinin-potentiating factor (BPF) isolated from scorpion venom (Leiurus quinquestriatus) has been shown to be protective against hepato- and nephrotoxicity as well as healing skin burns by reducing oxidative stress in hyperglycemic conditions. Therefore, we aim to evaluate the ability of BPF in treating irradiated rats. A group of rats was exposed to γ-irradiation and subsequently treated with BPF injections aiming to elucidate the possibility of BPF to rescue γ-irradiation harmful effects. As controls, we used γ-irradiation exposed, BPF-injected, and untreated rats. The data obtained showed that the irradiated animals suffered from marked changes of many important blood parameters including red blood cells, leukocytes, platelets, hemoglobin, packed cell volume, high-density cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density cholesterol. Interestingly, BPF was able to rescue the deleterious effects of irradiation in rats and normalized their blood parameters to the basal levels. We conclude that BPF could ameliorate irradiation damaging effects.

Zebra-borne neurotropic equid herpesvirus 1 meningoencephalitis in a Thomson's gazelle ( Eudorcas thomsonii).

We describe the histopathologic, immunohistochemical, and molecular features of a case of meningoencephalitis in a Thomson's gazelle ( Eudorcas thomsonii) naturally infected with zebra-borne equid herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) and the implications for the molecular detection of zebra-borne EHV-1. A 4-y-old female Thomson's gazelle was submitted for postmortem examination; no gross abnormalities were noted except for meningeal congestion. Microscopic evaluation demonstrated multifocal nonsuppurative meningoencephalitis with intranuclear eosinophilic and amphophilic inclusion bodies and EHV-9 antigen in neurons. PCR demonstrated the presence of a herpesvirus with a nucleotide sequence 99-100% identical to the corresponding sequences of zebra-borne EHV-1 and of EHV-9 strains. To determine whether EHV-1 or EHV-9 was involved, a PCR with a specific primer set for EHV-9 ORF59/60 was used. The sequence was identical to that of 3 recognized zebra-borne EHV-1 strains and 91% similar to that of EHV-9. This isolate was designated as strain LM2014. The partial glycoprotein G ( gG) gene sequence of LM2014 was also identical to the sequence of 2 zebra-borne EHV-1 strains (T-529 isolated from an onager, 94-137 from a Thomson's gazelle). The histologic lesions of encephalitis and antigen localization in this gazelle indicate prominent viral neurotropism, and lesions were very similar to those seen in EHV-1- and EHV-9-infected non-equid species. Histologic lesions caused by EHV-9 and zebra-borne EHV-1 are therefore indistinguishable.

Hepato- and nephroprotective effects of bradykinin potentiating factor from scorpion (Buthus occitanus) venom on mercuric chloride-treated rats.

Bioactive peptides such as bradykinin potentiating factor (BPF), have, anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and ameliorative effects in chronic diseases and play a potential role in cancer prevention. It is known that the liver and kidney accumulate inorganic mercury upon exposure, which often leads to mercury intoxication in these organs. In this study, we investigated the effect of bradykinin potentiating factor (BPF), a scorpion venom peptide, on mercuric chloride-induced hepatic and renal toxicity in rats. We used 20 adult male Albino rats divided into four equal groups: the first group was injected with saline (control); the second group was administered daily with mercuric chloride (HgCl2) for 2 weeks; the third group was administered with BPF twice weekly for 2 successive weeks, while the fourth group was exposed to BPF followed by HgCl2. We observed that HgCl2 treated rats had a significant increase in serum ALT, AST, ALP, creatinine and urea levels compared to control. Furthermore, HgCl2 treated rats showed a marked decrease in total proteins, albumin and uric acids compared to control. The previously studied parameters were not significantly changed in BPF pretreated rats compared to control. Moreover, a significant decrease in the activities of glutathione perioxidase (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT), in addition to a significant increase in the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) were observed in hepatic and renal tissues of rats after HgCl2 treatment. In contrast, the HgCl2/BPF treated rats showed a significant elevation in the activity of GSH, SOD, and CAT accompanied with a significant regression in the level of MDA compared to the HgCl2 exposed rats. We conclude that treatment with BPF is a promising prophylactic approach for the management of mercuric chloride-induced hepato- and nephro-toxicities.

Efficacy of Caltropis procera and Ficus sycomorus extracts in treating MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)-keratitis in rabbit.

MRSA-induced keratitis in rabbit was used to evaluate the therapeutic effect of F. sycomorus leaves and C. procera latex extracts. Within the 6 rabbit groups tested, group 1 received sterilized saline, while other groups (2 to 6) received 100 µl of intrastromal injections of 1.5×10(3) colony forming unit (cfu) ml(-1) of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). After 12 hours, groups 3 to 6 also received chloramphenicol, aqueous extract of C. procera latex, aqueous and alcoholic extracts of F. sycomorus leaves, respectively 3 times daily for 12 successive days. The tested extracts inhibited MRSA growth in vitro (i.e. on culture medium). Colony counts in cornea discs from groups 3 to 6 were significantly reduced (P ≤ 0.001) compared to group 2 (untreated). Clinical signs of keratitis were observed on group 2 until the end of experiment. In groups 3 to 6, gradual recovery was observed and signs disappeared by the 12(th) DPI (days post inoculation). Only mild symptoms persisted in group 5 (aqueous extract of leaves). In group 3 and 5, cornea, iris, ciliary body and conjunctiva showed mild leukocytic infiltration and depigmentation of melanin cells while recovery of cornea and iris was observed in groups 4 and 6. In conclusion, the used extracts have potential therapeutic effects on MRSA-induced keratitis in rabbit.

Morphologic and molecular characteristics of Sarcocystis atraii n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystidae) infecting the common coot (Fulica atra) from Egypt.

A single morphologic type of Sarcocystis cysts found in two out of 43 examined common coots, Fulica atra, is considered to represent a new species for which the name Sarcocystis atraii n. sp. is proposed and its description is provided. Coots were hunted from the vicinity of Brolos Lake located at KafrElsheikh province, Egypt. The structural morphology of the revealed sarcocysts was described using light and transmission electron microscopy. Sarcocysts were found in the leg and thigh muscles. The cysts were microscopic and measured 165-850 µm in length × 50-85 µm in width. Histologically; the sarcocyst wall was wavy and had minute undulations. Ultrastructurally, it measured 1-3 µm in thickness and possessed many mushroom-like villar protrusions sometimes originating from other mushroom-like villar protrusions that measured approximately 0.5-2 µm in length and up to 2 µm in width, with the presence of electron dense ground substance of 300 nm to 1 µm thick. The bradyzoites were elongated, banana-shaped and measured 7.5-14 × 1.5-2.5 µm, with centrally or terminally located nuclei. The ultrastructural features of the cyst wall belonged to type 24. On the basis of sequencing and phylogenic analyses for 18S rRNA , 28S rRNA genes and ITS-1 region; S. atraii n. sp. is considered a genetically distinct species, being most closely related to avian Sarcocystis spp. whose definitive hosts are predatory mammals.

Immunomodulatory and antiparasitic effects of garlic extract on Eimeria vermiformis-infected mice.

We investigated the immunomodulatory and parasiticidal effects of garlic extract on coccidiosis caused by Eimeria vermiformis infection in male ICR mice. One group received garlic extract daily until the end of the experiment by the oral route from 10 days prior to oral infection with 300 sporulated E. vermiformis oocysts (infected-garlic(+)). The other group served as a control positive with E. vermiformis infection alone (infected-garlic(-)). In the infected-garlic(+) group, garlic extract treatment induced a significant reduction in fecal oocyst output when compared with the infected-garlic(-) group. Histopathological, immunohistochemical, and gene expression analysis for inflammatory cytokines in ileal tissues showed that the garlic extract treatment impaired intracellular development of E. vermiformis during the early stages by increasing the number of intraepithelial CD8(+) T cells and decreasing IL-10 expression. This induced cell cytotoxicity which was reflected by a decrease in oocyst numbers in the intestinal villi and the feces, indicating anticoccidial effects of the garlic extract. However, further studies to explore the precise mechanism of the observed effects of garlic treatment during Eimeria infection are needed to verify our results.

An outbreak of Mycobacterium genavense infection in a flock of captive diamond doves (Geopelia cuneata).

Two diamond doves (Geopelia cuneata) in a flock of 23 birds housed in an aviary in a zoo in central Japan were found dead as a result of mycobacteriosis. Fecal samples of the remaining doves were positive for mycobacterial infection, and thus they were euthanatized. Clinical signs and gross pathology, including weight loss and sudden death and slight enlargement of the liver and intestine, were observed in a small number of birds (3/23). Disseminated histiocytic infiltration of either aggregates or sheets of epithelioid cells containing acid-fast bacilli, in the absence of caseous necrosis, were observed in different organs of the infected doves, especially lungs (23/23), intestines (9/23), livers (7/23), and hearts (6/23). Mycobacterium sp. was isolated from the livers of three birds (3/23). DNA extracted from frozen liver and formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues (5/23) were used for amplification of the gene encoding mycobacterial 65-kDa heat shock protein (hsp65). The causative Mycobacterium species was identified by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. Mycobacterium genavense infection was confirmed in three of the diamond doves. Moreover, partial 16S rDNA gene sequencing revealed 100% identity across the three samples tested, and 99.77% nucleotide homology of the isolate sequence to M. genavense. The main route of M. genavense infection in the diamond doves was most likely airborne, suggesting a potential zoonotic risk of airborne transmission between humans and birds.