Encephalitozoon hellem infection as the cause of a unilateral chronic keratoconjunctivitis in an umbrella cockatoo (Cacatua alba)

摘要: An umbrella cockatoo (Cacatua alba) was presented with a keratoconjunctivitis of 9 months' duration that refractory to antibacterial and antifungal treatments. Microsporidian-type spores were observed in calcofluor M2R-stained cytological preparations debrided corneal epithelium. Hematoxylin eosin-stained sections conjunctival biopsy also showed small number intracellular parasites. Microsporidial DNA detected by polymerase chain reaction extracted from the remaining material. Sequence analysis subunit ribosomal RNA gene identified microsporidium as Encephalitozoon hellem. The treated oral albendazole for 3 months resolution signs, then again 4 when signs returned. Since then, bird has remained healthy 2 years. This is second report microsporidial bird, first an E. hellem infection cockatoo. Ophthalmologists should consider possible cause parrots treatment traditional antimicrobials.