Laboratory Diagnosis of an Aspergillus fumigatus Outbreak with Concurrent Secondary Bacterial Infection in a Poultry Farm in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

Aspergillus fumigatus is recognized as a significant respiratory pathogen in poultry, causing substantial economic losses and severely impacting farmers' livelihoods. This case report details the laboratory diagnosis of a clinical outbreak of Aspergillus fumigatus on a poultry farm in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. The diagnosis was made using a combination of historical data, clinical signs, postmortem examination, histopathology, microbial culture, and identification. Notable findings included nodular lesions on the lungs and peritoneum, with fungal hyphae embedded within the lung tissue. Microbial culture revealed characteristic macroscopic features of Aspergillus fumigatus and the presence of Escherichia coli, indicating a potential secondary bacterial infection. Treatment involved administering 500,000 IU oral Nystatin at 320 tablets per day for 14 days (1 tablet per 10 kg body weight) and Florum® (20% florfenicol) at 1mL per 2L of drinking water for five days. The farmer was advised to implement measures to enhance biosecurity, sanitation, and hygiene on the farm. Two weeks after treatment, the farmer recorded zero mortality even though he could not keep track of the actual mortality, he however, puts it to at least a hundred. The farmer also acknowledge that the birds started laying at 17 weeks. A second farm visit when the birds were 19 weeks old also showed that they were thriving well and no mortality recorded. This case report underscores the importance of accurate diagnosis for the early detection and prevention of disease agents and ensuring the rational antimicrobial use for therapeutic purposes.