Spotlight on avian pathology: aspergillosis

Abstract

Aspergillosis is a disease of domestic and free-living birds caused by infection with a fraction of fungi within the genus Aspergillus. Species can be identified by colony morphology and microscopic characterization of conidia and conidiophores or by PCR, and isolates can be typed by microsatellite typing. Serodiagnostic options for testing are limited to antibody and antigen detection methods. The sensitivity of these tests can be enhanced through the use of protein electrophoresis. In many countries, no systemic antifungal drugs are registered for use in food-producing birds and resistance to antifungal drugs has been reported in Aspergillus strains derived from birds. The most important prevention strategy against aspergillosis is keeping the infection pressure low by adequate ventilation as well as cleaning and disinfection. Open questions about avian aspergillosis that research needs to address are related to epidemiology and serodiagnosis, as well as therapy and prevention.