Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to G M Dorrestein.
A case of infection with the fur mite of domestic rabbits, Listrophorus gibbus, is reported. Possible methods of treatment of individual rabbits as well as of colonies of rabbits are reviewed. The presence of Listrophorus gibbus in conjunction with Cheyletiella parasitivorax is also discussed.
A flagellate, (Cochlosoma sp.) in the intestines of waxbills caused disease and death, particularly in the younger birds. Disturbance of the intestines was the characteristic clinical symptom. Treatment with Emtryl (Specia, 40% dimetridazole), 250 mg. per litre of drinking water for three days, was effective.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
A serious intestinal prolaps in a lizard (Lacerta pityusensis pityusensis) that was sent by parcel post package, was replaced and the wound sutured. Anaesthesia, surgery and post-operative course are described.
Six cases of mange in guinea-pigs due to the mite Trixacarus caviae (F ain et al., 1972) are reported. The clinical and histological features are described. In spite of the alarming symptoms occasionally shown by guinea-pigs, the usual antiparasitic therapy was effective. Morphological features by which T. caviae may be differentiated from Sarcoptes scabiei and Notoedres muris, are reviewed.
In 1975, post-mortem studies were done on 745 birds. The findings are tabulated. The most important problems are evaluated. The most striking finding is the very large proportion (46.0 per cent) of birds which died from infectious disease caused either by bacteria, viruses, protozoa or parasites. Hygiene is stressed as a valuable preventive measure.
245 Avian strains of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis were isolated over a period of 18 years (1958-1975. Toucans appear to be highly susceptible to pseudotuberculosis. The number of isolates was highest in the colder months (December-March). Serotype 1 was isolated most frequently. There were no essential differences among the five serotypes in sensitivity to chemotherapeutics.
This paper describes the signs, clinical pathology, and postmortem findings in 14 young African grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus erithacus) that were naturally infected with psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD) virus (psittacine circovirus). All but two of the parrots had severe leukopenia at clinical presentation. Two other parrots also had severe anemia. All birds died within 3 wk after presentation. Postmortem examination documented liver necrosis in 11 of 14 birds and secondary bacterial or fungal infections in 9 of 14 birds. Tests for Chlamydia psittaci, polyomavirus, and Salmonella sp. were negative. PBFD viral infection could be demonstrated in all birds by polymerase chain reaction. Supporting evidence of PBFD viral infection was gathered by histologic examination of the bursa of Fabricius, electron microscopy, and DNA in situ hybridization. Electron microscopic examination of both the bursa of Fabricius and liver revealed virus particles resembling circovirus. DNA in situ hybridization of six liver tissue samples confirmed the presence of PBFD virus and excluded the presence of avian polyomavirus. Our findings suggest that a specific presentation of peracute PBFD viral infection, characterized by severe leukopenia, anemia, or pancytopenia and liver necrosis in the absence of feather and beak abnormalities, may occur in young African grey parrots.
Results are presented from a microbiological (bacteriological and mycological) investigation and the sensitivity tests of microorganisms isolated over a 2-year period (1983-84) from 80 fecal samples and 466 necropsies of psittacine birds. These results are correlated with signs of metaplasia of the salivary glands due to vitamin A deficiency in large parrots and with low vitamin A levels in the livers of small psittacine birds. Aerobic microorganisms were isolated from 76% of the fecal samples and 67% of the necropsies. Infections with primary pathogenic bacteria were found in less than 10% of the necropsies. Metaplasia was found in 51% of the large parrots, and the vitamin A levels in budgerigars were below acceptable levels. The possible role of a deficient diet in Psittaciformes in the occurrence of microbial infections and their treatment are discussed.
Poxvirus was isolated from cutaneous nodules on two young Houbara bustards (Chlamydotis undulata) bred in captivity in Saudi Arabia. Birds were emaciated and presented nodules on tibiotarso-tarsometatarsal joints, toes, and the carpal joint. Diagnosis was confirmed by histopathology, virus isolation on inoculated chorioallantoic membranes of embryonated chicken's eggs, and electron microscopy. Progressive leg lesions were extensive and interfered with walking, significantly debilitating the birds. Successful excisions of these lesions were performed.