Avian Aspergillosis: A Potential Occupational Zoonotic Mycosis Especially in Egypt

Abstract

Poultry production systems show great interest especially in the last decade. However, using intensive management systems leads to increasing the incidence of infectious diseases. One of the most dangerous infectious fungal diseases is aspergillosis. This disease has a negative impact on the poultry industry with severe economic losses. There are several species of Aspergillus fungi that affect birds of different ages. Poor environment and hygienic conditions surrounding birds in the hatcheries or farms are important sources of infection. Affected birds with Aspergillus species show respiratory signs and lesions as well as brain and skin affections. Aspergillosis is an important occupational zoonotic mycosis that affects mainly persons and workers who are in direct contact with the infected birds. The respiratory picture of aspergillosis in human s is usually very severe especially in immunocompromised patients. Diagnosis of aspergillosis depends on conventional isolation and identification of the causative fungi, serological detection of antibodies or use molecular identification techniques. The application of proper hygienic measures with good environment al conditions surrounding birds is very critical to prevent such infection. Treatment of affected birds using specific antifungal drugs is useless especially in severe cases or in later stages. Human s should take all sanitary precautions during handling with birds and the surroundings. Affected persons could be treated using specific antifungal preparations. Therefore this review article spotlight the present situation of aspergillosis all over the world as well as in Egypt. The article focuses on the fungi, susceptibility, and transmission of infection, clinical picture in birds, human infection, diagnosis as well as prevention and control measures.