A CASE OF PDD ASSOCIATED TO ESBL ESCHERICHIA COLI INFECTION IN AN AFRICAN GREY PARROT (Psittacus e. erithacus).
Bert Elena1, Soto Carlos Jesus1; Robino Patrizia2, Nebbia Patrizia2; Tramuta Clara2; Rossi Giacomo3.
1- Policlinico Veterinario Roma Sud (Roma, Italia); 2- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Torino (Torino, Italia); 3- Dipartimento di Patologia, Scuola di Bioscienze Veterinarie (Camerino, Italia) Introduction: Extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) are bacteria that commonly express plasmid encoded β-lactamases conferring resistance to penicillins and expanded-spectrum cephalosporins. Cefotaximase type (CTX-M) ESBLs have increased dramatically, and became the most prevalent ESBLs worldwide, causing antibiotic resistance of pathogenic or potentially pathogenic microorganisms in veterinary as in human medicine. This case report describes an ESBL-producing Escherichia coli infection in an African grey parrot affected by PDD. Materials and methods: a 14 years old African Grey parrot was hospitalized for severe nervous symptoms and vomiting. Hematologic evaluations, protein electrophoresis, X-ray contrast studies of gastrointestinal tract, ELISA test for antigangliosides-antibodies; PCR test for Chlamydia psittaci and Avian bornavirus (ABV); microbiological analysis on fecal material and Mycoplasma test were performed. Results: Radiological studies revealed hepatomegaly and a mild proventricular dilatation. Biochemistry and protein electrophoresis showed a severe hepatitis, while PCR was negative for C. psittaci and ABV research, as well as Mycoplasma spp. test. Microbiological tests revealed an ESBL-producer E. coli in pure culture, and PCR evidenced blaCTX-M and blaCMY-2 genes. The ELISA test for antigangliosides antibodies was positive. Conclusions: in our opinion this case of PDD is a prototype of post-infectious autoimmune disease, with high titers of IgG antibodies to GM1 and GalNAc-GT1b. As Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) in man, PDD may be related to Campylobacter or, rarely, E.coli infection (Kono et al, 2007). Regarding the ESBL -E. coli infection, the occasional raw chicken meat inclusion as part of the parrot’s diet may be incriminated. In our knowledge this is the first report of CTX-M-type ESBL E. coli in parrots.
Kono Y1, Nishitarumizu K, Higashi T, Funakoshi K, Odaka M. Rapidly progressive Guillain-Barré syndrome following Escherichia coli infection. Intern Med. 2007;46(9):589-91. Epub 2007 May 1. Miragliotta G., Di Taranto A., De Nittis R., Antonetti R., Del Prete R., Mosca A. ESBL-PRODUCING E. COLI AND
