Identification of Oral Spiral Bacteria in Cockatiels

Presenting Author: Laura L. Wade, DVM

The Animal Medical Center, New York, NY

Interpretive Review and comments by Dr. Nemetz:

Since 1986 there had been the identification of a spiral bacterium in the oral cavity of several species of psittacine birds, but most often in the choanae of cockatiels ( Nymphicus hollandicus). The clinical symptoms have ranged from asymptomatic to mild inflammation of the oral/nasal cavity (upper respiratory disease), to excessive choanal and tracheal mucus production and death. This bacterium causes a more severe disease process in younger birds due to possible underlying immunodeficiency.

In 1995 the organism was further investigated under an electron microscope and shown not be of the family Campylobacter species or true spirochetes and eluded to a possible Helicobacter species. All attempts to culture these organisms have failed and these are presently only diagnosed through the use of a Gram Stain of a swab of the oral cavity.

Dr. Wade's study was to use newer technology to prove or disprove the Helicobacter species theory. Using Helicobacter genus-specific DNA primers she found a 100% match to Helicobacter cinaedi and Flexispira rappini ( Helicobacter sp. Flexispira). Once identified, Helicobacter-appropriate culture media was used, but was unsuccessful at bacterial amplification. Humans that are immunodeficient are also afflicted by this genus of bacteria. H. cinaedi has been found in HIV-positive (T-cell deficient) patients and H. sp Flexispira in people with X-linked agammaglobinemia (B-cell deficiency).

Conclusion:

A visibly spiral-shaped bacterium that has caused severe disease and even death, especially in cockatiels, is now known to belong to the Helicobacter sp. The identification of this organism is paramount if correct therapy is to be instituted and the bird saved.

A gram stain or Diff-Quik stain of an oral cavity swab is currently the best and only practical method to diagnose this organism. This is why a gram stain is important in any case presented with abnormal oral mucus production and as a screening test in young cockatiels.

This infection is often present with concurrent malnutrition and other gastrointestinal infections, especially gram-negative and fungal organisms, so each situation should be fully evaluated by an avian veterinarian before a successful therapeutic plan can be initiated. 

Dr. Nemetz was very pleased with this paper, as he was a senior in veterinary school when a friend and recent Purdue graduate identified the first cases of this organism in cockatiels in 1986. Now 17 years later the organism has been finally identified, with a lot of good research and the help of current DNA technology.