Avian Gastric Yeast in Parrots and Parakeets in Mashhad, Iran

Avian Gastric Yeast (Macrorhabdus ornithogaster) constitutes a notable pathogen responsible for chronic wasting disease in companion birds globally. While amphotericin B remains the standard treatment, the investigation of efficacious alternative therapies holds clinical significance. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of M. ornithogaster in symptomatic companion birds and to evaluate the effectiveness of a treatment regimen incorporating nystatin, apple vinegar, and metronidazole. Between ۲۰۲۱ and ۲۰۲۲, a total of ۱۴۵ symptomatic avian subjects, including cockatiels, African grey parrots, budgerigars, lovebirds, and green-cheeked parakeets, exhibiting lethargy, weight loss, regurgitation, and gasping, were referred to a veterinary hospital in Mashhad, Iran. Diagnosis of infection was confirmed through Gram-stained fecal smears. The infected birds were administered a therapeutic regimen consisting of a ۱۴-day course of nystatin (۱۰ mg/kg every ۱۲ hours), apple vinegar (۱۰ drops per ۱.۵ liters of drinking water), metronidazole (۳۰ mg/kg every ۱۲ hours), and B-complex vitamins. Clinical signs and fecal Gram stains were re-evaluated three weeks post-treatment. Laboratory analysis revealed a high prevalence of infection, with cockatiels (۸۴%) and green-cheeked parakeets (۸۰%) exhibiting the highest rates. Following treatment, all birds demonstrated significant clinical improvement. Post-treatment fecal testing confirmed a considerable reduction in yeast shedding, thereby demonstrating the protocol's effectiveness. The combination of nystatin and apple vinegar was an effective treatment for M. ornithogaster infection in these birds. The present study highlighted the high prevalence of this pathogen in symptomatic birds. Regular fecal monitoring is recommended for long-term control.

کلیدواژه ها:

Apple vinegar ، Bird ، Macrorhabdus ornithogaster ، Parakeet