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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #32412
Title: TOXOPLASMA GONDII PERIPHERAL NEURITIS IN CHICKENS

Author
item GOODWIN M A - UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA
item DUBEY JITENDER P - 1265-55-00
item HATKIN J - TUGALOO UNIVERSITY

Submitted to: Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/17/1994
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Infection by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii is widespread in livestock and humans in the U.S. It can cause abortion in livestock and mental retardation and loss of vision in children born with T. gondii infection. Although chickens have been found infected, they rarely suffer from it. Scientists at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center and the University of Georgia report paralysis in chickens associated with toxoplasmosis of peripheral nerves. The lesions described should help the diagnosticians in recognition of this disease in chickens

Technical Abstract: Peripheral neuritis of the sciatic nerve was diagnosed in 2 feral chickens. In both cases, the disease was originally misdiagnosed as Marek's disease. Numerous Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites were identified in lesions and the diagnosis was confirmed immunohistochemically. Toxoplasmosis should now be considered in differential diagnosis of peripheral neuritis in chickens.