Mycobacterium avium Subspecies Hominissuis-Induced Fatal Vasculitis in Zebra Finches (Taeniopygia guttata), USA

TL;DR

This paper reports the first case of a deadly infection caused by a bacterium in zebra finches, highlighting its potential spread to other animals and humans.

Contribution

The study documents the first fatal vasculitis caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. hominissuis in zebra finches.

Findings

MAH was detected in cloacal swabs from 4 of 13 finches and 7 of 28 environmental samples.

Histopathology showed acid-fast bacilli in macrophages and endothelial cells, mainly in the heart and aorta.

PCR and sequencing confirmed MAH infection in affected birds and their environment.

Abstract

Mycobacterium avium subsp. hominissuis (MAH) is a zoonotic pathogen with a broad host range and diverse clinical manifestations. We report here the first documented case of MAH-induced fatal vasculitis in zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata). Histopathological examination revealed acid-fast bacilli within macrophages and endothelial cells, primarily affecting the heart and aorta. Mycobacterial DNA was detected in cloacal swabs from affected finches and environmental samples from their housing facility. PCR targeting the rpoB gene and insertion elements IS1245 and IS901, followed by sequencing, confirmed MAH infection. MAH DNA was identified in 4 of 13 finch cloacal swabs and 7 of 28 environmental samples. This study describes a novel, highly pathogenic manifestation of MAH in birds and underscores the potential for avian involvement in environmental and zoonotic transmission.

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