Detection and characterization of the Isospora lunaris infection from different finch hosts in southern Iran

Unique Isospora-associated histologic lesions in white-rumped shama (Copsychus malabaricus)

“… 14 If stressed or exposed to a high parasite load, fledglings may develop a severe and frequently fatal clinical syndrome characterized by lethargy, ruffled feathers, and diarrhea. 2 , 7 , 9 , 11 , 15 This syndrome can be associated with severe gastrointestinal inflammation from sexual stages in the intestine, systemic inflammation from circulating replicative stages, or both. Several studies in black siskins ( Carduelis atrata ), canaries ( Serinus canarius ), Gouldian finches ( Chloebia gouldiae ), and song sparrows ( Melospiza melodia ) with this severe form of isosporosis describe a lymphocytic, lymphoproliferative, or lymphohistiocytic inflammatory response affecting multiple organs, particularly the small intestine, liver, spleen, kidney, and lung.…”