Aspergillosis in Lesser Flamingo (Phoenicopterus minor) -A case report

The present investigation describes a case of Aspergillosis in lesser fl amingo at Mumbai Veterinary College, Mumbai. Lesser Flamingo (Phoenicopterus minor) was admi.. ed to the B.S.P.C.A., Hospital, Mumbai for treatment of a fractured limb. The bird was found near saltpans in Airoli, Mumbai Maharashtra by the forest offi cials. The bird died 2 days post-treatment. On necropsy, typical yellowish-green granulomas of 0.5–1.0 cm diameter were observed in the lung. Histopathological examination of the lung lesions revealed granulomatous reaction around fungal hyphae characterized by massive infi ltration of chronic infl ammatory cells predominantely lymphocytes along with multinucleated giant cells and fungal elements. Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS) and Gomori's Methenamine Silver (GMS) staining revealed fungal hyphae embedded in the lung interstitium and free conidia and spores in the bronchial and parabronchial spaces. Based on the gross and microscopic features the casewas diagnosed as pulmonary aspergillosis. Aspergillus spp.are opportunistic pathogens that are seen in immunocompetent and immuno-compromised animals and majorly in birds.