TY  - JOUR
T1  - Severe Bronchopneumonia and Necrotizing Hepatitis in Post-Hatch Goldfinch Nestlings Due to Concurrent Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection
A1  - Caruso Antonio
A1  - Ferrari Beatrice
A1  - Rizzo Pietro
JF  - International Journal of Veterinary Research and Allied Sciences
JO  - Int J Vet Res Allied Sci
SN  - 3062-357X
Y1  - 2025
VL  - 5
IS  - 1
DO  - 10.51847/AMitbip0Yj
SP  - 128
EP  - 139
N2  - Bacterial infections are common among pet birds and represent a significant threat, particularly to nestlings and individuals with compromised immune systems, frequently leading to substantial mortality within the initial days post-hatching. This research aimed to characterize the pathological alterations associated with a spontaneous bacterial co-infection involving Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in nestling European goldfinches (Carduelis carduelis), identified as the cause of early post-hatch deaths. Eight chicks housed in a breeding colony exhibited immobility, anorexia, and respiratory distress and were discovered dead between days 1 and 4 of life. Gross lesions revealed diffuse pulmonary edema and hemorrhagic pneumonia, along with occasional hepatic necrosis. Histologically, all examined specimens showed severe, subacute bronchopneumonia and necrotizing hepatitis. Gram-negative bacilli were detected in the parabronchial walls, pulmonary arteries, and surrounding necrotic hepatocellular areas. Bacteriological cultures from lungs, liver, and kidneys yielded two Gram-negative isolates. Species identification was achieved by amplification and sequencing of four housekeeping genes (16S rRNA, rpoB, khe, ecfX). Although K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa are well-recognized Gram-negative agents frequently co-isolated in human pneumonia, this combination has not previously been reported in nestling goldfinches. Correct pathogen identification is vital for accurate etiological diagnosis and to inform appropriate therapeutic intervention.
UR  - https://esvpub.com/article/severe-bronchopneumonia-and-necrotizing-hepatitis-in-post-hatch-goldfinch-nestlings-due-to-concurren-wdteaenwooanmmh
ER  -