Toxoplasmosis in mynahs.

ABSTRACT

Visceral toxoplasmosis was diagnosed in 23 mynahs (Acridotheres) imported from Mexico, which resulted in the death of all birds in the shipment. The affected birds were inappetent and depressed and had ruffled feathers before death. Gross alterations included mottled, enlarged livers with multiple diffuse subcapsular white foci, congested lungs, mottled spleens, and thickened air sacs. Microscopic alterations were multifocal granulomatous hepatitis, pneumonitis, diffuse splenitis, focal mononuclear myocarditis, and airsacculitis. Foamy macrophages in affected areas of the livers contained 8-10 protozoan organisms 1-3 nm in diameter. Similar organisms were present in affected spleens. The organisms were identified with special stains and electron microscopy as Toxoplasma gondii. Human infection was diagnosed in the caretaker by an attending physician. He was treated with pyrimethamine and apparently recovered.