Abstract
ABSTRACT. de Vasconcelos T.C.B., Longa C. da S., Campos S.D.E., Costa C.H.C. & Bruno S.F. [Coccidiosis in Sporophila maximiliani (Passeriformes: Emberizidae): two case reports]. Coccidiose em Sporophila maximiliani (Passeriformes: Emberizidae): relato de dois casos. Revista Brasileira de Medicina Veterinária, 34(4):261- 264, 2012. Departamento de Patologia e Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Vital Brazil Filho, 64, Niterói, RJ 24230-360, Brasil. E-mail: saviobruno@vm.uff.br Intestinal coccidia of birds generally belong to the genera Eimeria and Isospora. Parasitized birds may be asymptomatic or develop signs such as diarrhea, ruffled feathers, weight loss and death. Two carcasses of Sporophila maximiliani, kept frozen, were transported by private breeder to the Departamento de Patologia e Clínica Veterinária at the Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niteroi, RJ. Necropsy examination and collection of material with subsequent sending of the same in 10% formalin for histopathologic evaluation were performed. Macroscopically, one animal showed thin, consistent with the disease in question, distended bowel loops and cranial vessels congested. The other was in good nutritional status, but had enlarged bowel with a lesser intensity and gelatinous fecal content, yellowish peritoneum and congestion in the nape region. Histopathology of both individuals, the intestinal mucosa showed diffuse infiltrate composed of mononuclear cells and heterophils, determining the destruction of the glands and villi architecture. It was possible to observe large amount of evolutionary forms compatible with schizonts of coccidia. The serosa and muscle layers remained preserved. Ultimately, it is reported two cases of parasitism with subsequent death in specimens of Brazilian fauna threatened with extinction, kept in captive conditions.