Fatal systemic non-albicans candidiasis with concurrent Hemoproteus columbae infection in a white pigeon flock

Preena, P., Nair, Sonu S., Aswathi, PB., Sarangom, Sherin B. and Prasad, C.P 2020. Fatal systemic non-albicans candidiasis with concurrent Hemoproteus columbae infection in a white pigeon flock Indian Journal of Poultry Science, 55(3): 249-252.

The carcass of a one month old white pigeon (Columbia livia domestica) was presented for post mortem examination with history of anorexia and nervous signs. Three other young birds in the same flock were also exhibiting similar clinical signs warranting the proper diagnosis of the condition. Choanal diphtheritic membrane, crop stasis, ingluvitis and enteritis were noticed on necropsy. Microscopic examination of oral plaques and crop mucosa revealed numerous oval shaped budding yeast cells along with Gram positive rods. Candidia species was isolated by culturing the samples collected from the carcass on Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA). The isolate was identified as non-albicans Candida (NCA) based on the absence of germ tube production in bovine serum. In addition, examination of heart blood smear revealed the presence of Hemoproteus parasite in the RBCs. Based on these findings, proper treatment of the remaining affected birds and managemental corrections were suggested which lead to uneventful clinical recovery.