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21 April 2021 Fatal Meningoencephalitis From a Rhizomucor pusillus Infection in a Juvenile Magellanic Penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus)
Kathlyn Reed, Karen Wolf, Kadie Anderson, Rebecca Wolking, Michael M. Garner
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

A 7-month-old, male Magellanic penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus), housed in an outdoor exhibit, developed acute neurologic signs that progressed to death over 2 days. On gross examination, the bird had congested, edematous lungs, and cerebellar hemorrhage. Histologic examination identified granulomatous pneumonia and encephalitis, with thrombosis and eosinophilic, branching fungal hyphae that had invaded the meningeal vessel walls. Polymerase chain reaction identified the fungus in the brain as Rhizomucor pusillus, an uncommon cause of mucormycosis. This organism has previously been reported in respiratory, skeletal, and sino-orbital lesions of avian species. This clinical report describes meningoencephalitis associated with Rhizomucor pusillus in a penguin.

© 2021 by the Association of Avian Veterinarians
Kathlyn Reed, Karen Wolf, Kadie Anderson, Rebecca Wolking, and Michael M. Garner "Fatal Meningoencephalitis From a Rhizomucor pusillus Infection in a Juvenile Magellanic Penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus)," Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery 35(1), 86-89, (21 April 2021). https://doi.org/10.1647/1082-6742-35.1.86
Published: 21 April 2021
KEYWORDS
Avian
fungus
Magellanic Penguin
meningoencephalitis
mucormycosis
Rhizomucor pusillus
Spheniscus magellanicus
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