Morphological and molecular characterization of Encephalitozoon hellem in hummingbirds. Academic Article

abstract

• Microsporidiosis was identified as a cause of enteritis in wild, migratory hummingbirds (Calypte anna). Electron microscopic examinations of parasites showed microsporidian spores with a double spore coat and a polar filament containing four to six coils, compatible with the genus Encephalitozoon. Molecular analysis of ribosomal RNA genes further identified the parasites from droppings and small intestinal segments as Encephalitozoon hellem, genotype I. Microsporidial spores were identified in 19% of droppings from C. anna, Archilochus alexandri and Selasporus sasin using Gram or modified trichrome staining methods. Since E. hellem is an opportunistic pathogen in immunocompromised humans, the pathogenic potential in avian hosts, the zoonotic potential of this parasite, and the role of birds as reservoirs needs to be further explored.

authors

• Snowden, Karen

published proceedings

• Avian Pathol

author list (cited authors)

• Snowden, K., Daft, B., & Nordhausen, R. W.

citation count

• 38

complete list of authors

• Snowden, K||Daft, B||Nordhausen, RW

publication date

• June 2001

publisher

• Taylor & Francis  Publisher

published in

• Avian Pathology  Journal

keywords

• 2 Aetiology
• 2.2 Factors Relating To The Physical Environment
• 3 Good Health And Well Being
• Biodefense
• Emerging Infectious Diseases
• Genetics
• Infection
• Infectious Diseases
• Prevention
• Vaccine Related

PubMed Central ID

• 19184907

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

• 10.1080/03079450120054500

start page

• 251

end page

• 255

volume

• 30

issue

• 3

URL

• http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/03079450120054500

user-defined tag

• 3 Good Health and Well-Being