Prevalence and etiopathology of aspergillosis in broiler chickens: Analysis of risk factors in coastal Bangladesh

Syed Imran; Shib Shankar Saha; Md. Mostafijur Rahman; Shampa Rani; Khondoker Jahengir Alam; Md. Shah Alam; Md. Mustafizur Rahman Chowdhury

doi:10.5455/JRVS.20241223091830

Abstract
Background/Aim: Aspergillus fumigatus is a respiratory pathogen that causes brooder pneumonia in broilers. This study addresses the lack of comprehensive data on the frequency, risk factors, cultural, and pathological aspects of aspergillosis in the coastal region of Bangladesh.
Methods: The study was conducted from July 2022 to June 2023, during which 37,230 broiler birds were examined. A total of 1956 birds (1,806 sick and 150 dead) from 35 broiler farms of Barishal district of coastal Bangladesh were evaluated. The clinical manifestations of this condition included gasping, tachypnea, dyspnea, and lethargy. Postmortem examination revealed firm nodular lesions in vthelungs, air sacs, kidney, intestine, and liver. Histopathology revealed granulomatous lesions and hyphae in the necrotic areas.
Results: A. fumigatus colonies developed rapidly on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA), presenting a range of colors (white, yellow, brown to black, green). A. fumigatus displayed dichotomous branching-type hyphae that were stainable with lactophenol blue. The total prevalence was 5.25%, with greater vulnerability observed in birds between the ages of 6 and 10 days during the summer season and in integrated farming systems.
Conclusion: The findings highlight the significance of Aspergillus fumigatus as a causative agent of brooder pneumonia in broilers in the coastal region of Bangladesh. The study underscores the importance of addressing identified risk factors such as age, seasonality, and farming practices to reduce the incidence of the disease and improve broiler health and productivity.

Key words: Brooder pneumonia, Aspergillus fumigatus, Risk factor, Culture, Pathology, Prevalence