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Disseminated Mycobacterium avium subsp. avium infection in a pet Korean squirrel (Sciuris vulgaris coreae)

Abstract

A disseminated Mycobacterium avium subsp. avium infection was diagnosed in a pet Korean squirrel. Grossly, multiple small nodules in the lung, liver, spleen, and skin were observed. Adrenal glands were very enlarged. The only tissue exhibiting necrosis and calcification was a very enlarged bronchial lymph node. The remaining lymph nodes were slightly enlarged. Moderate ascites was also observed. Microscopically, a disseminated granulomatous inflammation with numerous lymphocytes was seen. Acid-fast bacilli were detected in macrophages, in giant cells, free in the interstitium, and in some lymphatic vessels, both within cells and free in the lumen. M. avium subsp. avium was isolated and identified by polymerase chain reaction–restriction endonuclease analysis.

Key words: Granulomatous inflammation; Mycobacterium avium subsp. avium; PCR; pets; restriction endonuclease; squirrels; zoonosis.

Request reprints from Dr B Moreno, Neiker (Instituto Vasco de Investigación y Desarrollo Agrario), Berreaga 1, 48160-Derio Bizkaia, Spain. E-mail: bmoreno{at}neiker.net