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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #160127
Title: FATAL TOXOPLASMOSIS IN A BALD EAGLE (HALIAEETUS LEUCOCEPHALUS)

Author
item SZABO, K - DEPT VET PATH AFIPWASH DC
item MENSE, M - DEPT VET PATH AFIPWASH DC
item LIPSCOMB, T - NEW HAMPSHIRE
item FELIX, K - GLENWOOD PET HOSPITAL PA
item Dubey, Jitender

Submitted to: Journal of Parasitology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/1/2004
Publication Date: 5/2/2004
Citation: Szabo, K.A., Mense, M.G., Lipscomb, T.P., Felix, K.J., Dubey, J.P. 2004. Fatal toxoplasmosis in a bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). Journal of Parasitology. 90(4):907-908.

Interpretive Summary: Infection by the single-celled parasite Toxiplasma gondii is common in humans and animals. It causes mental retardation and loss of vision in children and abortion in livestock. Scientists at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center and the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology report fatal toxoplasmosis in a bald eagle for the first time. The results will be of interest to biologists, parasitologists, pathologists and wildlife veterinarians.

Technical Abstract: Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites were identified in the myocardium of a bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) that died of necrotizing myocarditis. The diagnosis was confirmed by immunohistochemical staining with T. gondii-specific polyclonal antibodies. This is a new host record for T. gondii.