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DEMONSTRATION OF ASPERGILLUS SP. IN TISSUES OF THE COMMON LOON, GAVIA IMMER: INCIDENCE, PROGRESSION AND SEVERITY
Citation:
Horowitz, D B. AND R Haebler. DEMONSTRATION OF ASPERGILLUS SP. IN TISSUES OF THE COMMON LOON, GAVIA IMMER: INCIDENCE, PROGRESSION AND SEVERITY. JOURNAL OF HISTOTECHNOLOGY 24(2):101-106, (2001).
Description:
By studying a large group of loons affected by an oil spill, much can be learned about the toxic effects of petroleum hydrocarbons in exposed birds, their ability to handle these environmental stressors, and their ability to combat natural pathogens. On January 19, 1996 the North Cape oil barge ran aground off the coast of Rhode Island, releasing 800,000 gallons of #2 fuel oil into marine environment. Several hundred sea birds overwintering in near shore waters were exposed to the chemical stressors found in this highly refined oil. One hundred and fourteen oiled birds were captured alive, and the most abundant of these birds was the common loon, Gavia immer. As a result of oil toxicity, which caused stress and weakened the immune system in the loons, all efforts of treatment and rehabilitation were unsuccessful. Gross necropsies and histopathological examinations were performed on the loons lost in captivity. At necropsy, lesions of various sizes were observed covering many organs in the most severely affected birds. Histo-chemical techniques revealed dramatic growths of Aspergillus sp., showing the morphology, mode of reproduction, and spread of this fungus. Over time, the Aspergillus infection became more prevalent, correlating to the increased physiological stress. By using histopathology to trace the incidence, progression, and severity of the fungal infections throughout organ systems, we could assess the health impacts.