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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #70322
Title: EXPERIMENTAL ASPERGILLOSIS IN TURKEYS TREATED WITH DEXAMETHASONE

Author
item Kunkle, Robert
item Rimler, Richard - Rick
item Steadham, Edward

Submitted to: American Veterinary Medical Association Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/3/1996
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Administration of corticosteroids increases the risk of aspergillosis in humans and animals. Beltsville Small White (BSW) and Broad-Breasted White (BBW) turkeys were treated with 1 mg/kg dexamethasone or equal volume of carrier prior to challenge with either 5 X 10**7, 5 X 10**6, 5 X 10**5, or 5 X 10**4 A. fumigatus conidia. Controls received sterile water only. Gross lesions seen at necropsy 7 days post-challenge indicated that pretreatment with dexamethasone lowered the dose of conidia necessary to establish infection in both breeds. Differences in weight gain and complete blood count data were seen in BSW turkeys with aspergillosis and were accentuated by dexamethasone pretreatment.