Abstract
ABSTRACT. Campos S.D.E., Pereira A.M., Maia A.L.P.S., Costa C.H.C., Magalhães H. & Almosny N.R.P. [Identification of septicemia by Edwardsiella tarda in Spheniscus magellanicus (Sphenisciformes: Spheniscidae) - Case report]. Identificação de Edwardsiella tarda em processo septicêmico em Spheniscus magellanicus (Sphenisciformes: Spheniscidae) - Relato de caso. Revista Brasileira de Medicina Veterinária, 35(3):224-228, 2013. Departamento de Patologia e Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Vital Brazil Filho, 64, Niterói, RJ 24230-360, Brasil. E-mail: s.destri@gmail.com The Magellanic penguins are seabirds that migrate through the Brazilian continental shelf and may be lost reaching the beaches of Rio de Janeiro. The rescued birds became weakened and susceptible to opportunistic infections. Edwardsiella tarda, a bacterium of the Enterobacteriaceae, is a pathogenic species which can cause intestinal and extra intestinal disorders. The marine fauna is regarded as its reservoir. Thus, the aim of this study was to report a case of septicemia due to E. tarda in one Magellanic penguin of the Niteroi Zoo. The animal presented marked emaciation, dyspnea, diarrhea, pale mucosa and died, being submitted for necropsy, histopathology and bacteriology. The heart blood was properly collected and used for blood culture. Microscopy identified colonization of gastric and intestinal mucosa by bacteria. It was possible the isolation and identification of E. tarda in the culture of heart blood. Possibly there was widespread opportunistic infection by the etiological agent, a hypothesis supported by clinical, histopathological and blood cultures.