Evaluation of mucosal and seborrheic sites for staphylococci in two populations of captive psittacines

Briscoe, Jeleen A.; Morris, Daniel O.; Rosenthal, Karen L.; Shofer, Frances S.; Rankin, Shelley C.

doi:10.2460/javma.234.7.901

Cited by 16 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 30 publications

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“…coagulans (coagulase-positive), which behave similarly in animals (Cain, 2013). They typically cause otitis or pyoderma in dogs, and rarely may be isolated from cats or birds (Abraham et al, 2007; Briscoe et al, 2009; Cain, 2013). Prevalence from skin, nares, mouth, or perineal carriage in the absence of disease is low, typically ≤2%, but is higher among diseased pets (Abraham et al, 2007; Griffeth et al, 2008; Beck et al, 2012; May et al, 2012).…”

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confidence: 99%

Two coagulase-negative staphylococci emerging as potential zoonotic pathogens: wolves in sheep's clothing?

et al. 2013

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Two coagulase-negative staphylococci emerging as potential zoonotic pathogens: wolves in sheep's clothing?

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“…The researchers commented that this was likely secondary to colonization of birds by bacteria from their owners. 4 One interesting finding was that 30.6% of birds had negative skin culture results. Bacteriostatic agents exist within the lipids of the epidermis and could potentially be the cause for this finding.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

“…The most common species isolated were Staphylococcus intermedius, Staphylococcus hominis subsp hominis, and S epidermis. 4 In a separate study involving pigeons (Columba livia) and chickens, Staphylococcus xylosus was the most common isolate. The second most common isolate in chickens was Staphylococcus cohnii subsp cohnii, whereas in pigeons it was S intermedius.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…2,3 Culture of the uropygial gland of healthy psittacine birds identified species of Staphylococcus, but failed to identify what other species of bacteria can be present. 4 The purpose of this study was to identify bacterial organisms that reside on the skin of companion psittacine birds including Congo African grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus), budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus), and cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus), housed in an indoor environment in a normal physiologic state.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Bacteria Isolated From the Skin of Congo African Grey Parrots (Psittacus erithacus), Budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus), and Cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus)

Lamb¹,

Sobczynski²,

Starks³

et al. 2014

Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery

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Little is known about the normal bacterial flora of the skin of birds. To identify the bacterial organisms that reside on the integument of companion psittacine birds in a normal physiologic state, skin cultures were taken from 75 psittacine birds comprising 25 Congo African grey parrots ( Psittacus erithacus ), 25 budgerigars ( Melopsittacus undulatus ), and 25 cockatiels ( Nymphicus hollandicus ). All birds were adults and in good health with no underlying identifiable diseases, had not been on antibiotics in the preceding 2 months or longer, and had no skin or feather abnormalities. Cultures were taken from the axillary region and incubated on bovine blood agar plates. Positive cultures were identified for 52 out of 75 birds, and a total of 89 bacterial colonies grew. The most frequently identified bacterial organisms belonged to the genus Staphylococcus followed by Corynebacterium. Several other genera of bacteria were also isolated. Of the 89 bacterial colonies, 25 were identified to the species level and 50 to the genus level, and 14 were identified as either a nonfermenter or coliform.

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“…Recently, Briscoe et al (2009) have found different species of Staphylococcus in commensal cutaneous microflora of psittacine birds in households and pet stores compared to those living in natural conditions. The finding that the microflora of bird skin in captive birds can be different from the microflora of the same species living in natural conditions is very important for husbandry practice and veterinary care as there may be a shift towards potentially pathogenic microorganisms to the detriment of the birds.…”

Section: Antibacterial Characteristics Of Uropygial Gland Secretionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Biologically active substances of bird skin: a review

Rajchard¹

2010

Vet. Med. - Czech

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Bird skin has a number of specific properties. The uropygial gland is a significant skin gland in many species. The secretion of this gland is particularly necessary for maintaining physical characteristics, including feather waterproofing. In some bird species this gland secretion has a repellent effect against potential mammalian predators; in other species it affects the final colour of feathers. In the investigated species of storks (genus Ciconia), secretions of the uropygial gland have been found to be mixtures of monoester waxes, diester waxes, triester waxes and triglycerides. Wax diesters were also found in the red knot Calidris canutus (order Charadriiformes). Lipid substances in the secretions of the rock dove (Columba livia) consist mainly of unsaturated fatty acids (59% secretion; mostly oleic acid – 37%, linoleic acid – 6% and arachidonic acid – 7%). Free fatty acids, which are decomposition products of epidermal lipids, can regulate microbial colonization of skin (e.g., by modification of pH); a shift of these values was detected in poultry in battery husbandry. Analysis of fatty acids from lipids shows the influence of age, diet, and also the relationship to feather pecking – the individual composition affects the smell and taste, and thus the attractiveness to other individuals. The antibacterial activity of skin secretions has been demonstrated. Secretions of the hoopoe (Upupa epops) have besides the function of maintenance of physical properties of feathers also a repellent effect on parasites and predators. Its active substance is a peptide bacteriocin, produced by strains of Enterococcus faecalis. This substance is active against a number of both G + and G-bacteria and helps to sustain the nest hygiene, it is also effective against Bacillus licheniformis that produces keratin-decompositing enzymes. A similar antimicrobial activity of uropygial secretion against bacteria which degrade feathers was demonstrated in the wild house finch Carpodacus mexicanus. Changes in skin microflora have been demonstrated in parrots kept for breeding in comparison with those living in the wild, which may have significance for husbandry practices and veterinary care. Passerines of the genus Pitohui and Ifrita living in New Guinea store in their skin and feather batrachotoxins, which they receive from food - beetles of the genus Choresine. These toxins are active against parasites (e.g. lice – Phthiraptera). In contrast, substances that act as potential attractants for hematophagous insects (e.g. mosquitoes of genus Culex) were found in the skin of chickens. Alcohols, ketones and diones were detected in these substances. The composition of uropygial gland secretions may be a guide in assessing the relatedness of bird species. Feather waxes can be analyzed also from old museum specimens. Lipid-enriched organelles, multigranular bodies in the epidermis mean that zebra finches (Taeniopygia castanotis) are facultatively waterproof, which appears to have a function in protecting the organism against dehydrating when water is unavailable.

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Evaluation of mucosal and seborrheic sites for staphylococci in two populations of captive psittacines

Cited by 16 publications

References 30 publications

Two coagulase-negative staphylococci emerging as potential zoonotic pathogens: wolves in sheep's clothing?

Two coagulase-negative staphylococci emerging as potential zoonotic pathogens: wolves in sheep's clothing?

Bacteria Isolated From the Skin of Congo African Grey Parrots (Psittacus erithacus), Budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus), and Cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus)

Biologically active substances of bird skin: a review

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