[Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in pregnant women in the Ceské Budejovice District]. / Protilátky proti Toxoplasma gondii u gravidních zen v okrese Ceské Budejovice.

In 1984-1986 in the district of Ceské Budejovice in the southern part of the Czech Republic pregnant women were subjected to serological examinations for antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii. A total of 3,392 women were examined within the age bracket 16-54 years. For the serological examination parallel examinations were made using Sabin-Feldman test (SFT) and the complement fixation test (CFT). In SFT the basic serum dilution was 1:4, in CFT 1:10. Pregnant women were examined once or repeatedly. During the first examination which was usually made between the second and third month of pregnancy the total (SFT and CFT) prevalence was 37%. In the SFT antibodies were detected in 35%, in CFT in 25%. The second blood sample was taken during the 4th-5th month of pregnancy and subsequent samples during the 8th-9th month of pregnancy. In women who were examined twice or repeatedly (a total of 1,409 women), the dynamics of prevalence of antibodies were recorded. 64% women were permanently negative, 33% women were permanently positive with the same or a slightly varying titre and in 3% women during pregnancy, seroconversion was observed or a significant rise of antibodies. In 20 women where seroconversion or a significant rise of antibodies was found data were collected to find out whether in their children from birth to the age of 12-13 years toxoplasmosis was diagnosed. The toxoplasmosis was not diagnosed in these children.

Toxoplasmosis in wild mammals from the Czech Republic.

The prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii was determined in wild mammals in the Czech Republic from 1981 to 1990. The biological prevalence of T. gondii was < 1% in insectivores (n = 578), 12% in carnivores (n = 112), 1% in rodents except muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus) (n = 5,163), 24% in muskrats (n = 437), 5% in lagomorphs (n = 293), 0% in ruminants (n = 456), and 2% in wild boars (Sus scrofa) (n = 136). The seroprevalence (Sabin-Feldman dye test, titre > or = 1:4) of T. gondii was 15% in ruminants (n = 421), and 15% in wild boars (n = 124). Antibodies to T. gondii also were found in four of 10 carnivores. Toxoplasmosis is a common infection in wild mammals from the Czech Republic, but its prevalence varies considerable according to taxonomic groups and different localities where wild mammals live.

[Animal foci and routes of transmission of Mycobacterium avium]. / Animální zdroje a cesty sírení Mycobacterium avium.

The main source of Mycobacterium avium are tuberculous birds especially domestic fowl. Tuberculosis seldom occurs in other domesticated birds. Of free living birds, the synantropic species are affected. These birds are infected by contact with tuberculous fowl and spread the infection. The spread of M. avium in free living birds is not assumed. As to domestic mammals, domestic pigs are the most important source of M. avium. Mycobacteria are eliminated for a short time in the faeces of infected pigs. Irregular elimination of mycobacteria in ruminants (cattle, goats) in milk during bacteriaemia is possible. The transmission of M. avium by meat and eggs of tuberculosis poultry. Of M. avium is spread first of all by excrements of infected birds. The great resistance of M. avium to external conditions is very important for contamination of the environment.

[Animal foci and transmission routes of Toxoplasma gondii]. / Animální zdroje a cesty sírení Toxoplasma gondii.

In the transmission of T. gondii from animal sources to man a major part is played by animal tissues containing toxoplasmatic cysts and toxoplasmatic oocysts which result from the sexual reproduction of the parasites in the small intestine of feline animals. Tachyzoits play a minor role in the development of toxoplasmosis in man, most frequently when animals, their tissues and secretions are handled in the stage of parasitaemia. As to domestic animals, rabbits and sheep are infected most frequently and to a very small extent cattle. Animals from small farms are infected more frequently as there is a greater chance of contact with the domestic cat. A natural reservoir of T. gondii are small terrestrial mammals where intrauterine transmission occurs and the infection passes from one generation to the next. Thus elimination of the parasites in animal sources is not feasible and in prevention of toxoplasmosis attention must be focused primarily on transmission of T. gondii from known animal sources to man.

[Comparison of the pathogenesis and epizootiologic importance of avian mycobacteriosis in various types of domestic and free-living syntropic birds]. / Srovnání patogeneze a epizootologického významu aviární mykobakteriózy ruzných druhu domestikovaných a volne zijících synantropních ptáku.

The sensitivity of domestic and different sorts of synanthropic free living fowl to M. avium and pathogenesis of tuberculous process were observed by experimental infections. The partridge, domestic fowl, pheasant and sparrow were the most sensitive to intramuscular infection by suspension of M. avium. The sparrow, domestic fowl, laughing gull were the most sensitive to peroral infection by food contaminated by tbc poultry liver. After free contact between the poultry, the domestic fowl was the most sensitive to infection and then the sparrow, turkey, guinea fowl, pheasant and partridge were sensitive, too. The tuberculous lesions were observed in majority of infected fowls in cases of guinea fowl, turkey, laughing gull, domestic fowl, sparrow, partridge and pheasant after all types of infections. The pigeon, rook and turtle-dove were very resistant to M. avium infection. The largest quantities of mycobacteria in tissues of infected fowl were found in sparrow and guinea fowl and then in domestic fowl, pheasant and partridge. From the results of patho-morphological and culture examinations, we can distribute the experimentally infected fowl in four groups: very sensitive-domestic fowl, sparrow, pheasant, partridge, laughing gull; little sensitive-guinea fowl, turkey; resistant-goose, duck; very resistant-pigeon, turtle-dove, rook. It is necessary to know that the sensitivity of these sorts of fowl can be affectable by conditions of experimental infection. If we want to criticize the epizootological importance of individual sorts of fowl as a source of M. avium, we must take into account their sensitivity to M. avium, pathogenesis of tuberculous process and their breeding or zoological specificities of individual sorts.

Prevalence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in army dogs in the Czech Republic and Slovak Republic.

Army dogs, mostly German Sheep-dogs, were tested for antibodies to T. gondii using Sabin-Feldman dye test (DT) and complement fixation test (CFT). Titers greater than or equal to 4 and 10 were considered as positive in DT and CFT, respectively. Seroprevalences in the group of 720 dogs from the civil sector of different areas in the former Czechoslovakia were 39.3% and 15.4% in DT and CFT, respectively. During dogs' stay in army seroprevalences decreased only slowly. The decrease was probably due to less possibility to contact sources of infection--dogs were fed with cooked food, kept in pens with a high level of hygiene, and cats were very rare there. Nevertheless, some dogs in the army training centre were infected by T. gondii in that way of dog rearing.

[Pathogenesis of avian mycobacteriosis in the domestic goose (Anser anser f. domestica) and duck (Anas platyrhynchos f. domestica)]. / Patogeneze aviární mykobakteriózy husy domácí (Anser anser f. domestica) a kachny domácí (Anas platyrhynchos f. domestica).

Experimental infections enabled to test susceptibility of the goose and duck to M. avium. After intramuscular implantation of M. avium suspension, local lesions were observed at the spot of puncture in the geese, and miliary tuberculosis of spleen in 35 days, as well as miliary tuberculosis of liver after 69 days. In the ducks, local lesions were found at the spot of puncture in 35 days and miliary tuberculosis of liver and spleen in 69 days. Cultivation demonstrated mycobacteria in various tissues and organs since day 12 after infection. Peroral infection with contaminated feed caused lesions in spleen and intestine in the geese in 106 days, and then in liver and lungs in 133 days. The ducks had lesions in the intestine in 106 days, and in liver and spleen in 133 and 136 days, resp. Cultivation proved sporadic mycobacteria in liver, spleen, lungs and/or bone marrow and brain in both species. No tuberculous lesions were observed in the geese or ducks within 253 days of the experiment after infections by contacts with the TBC fowl. Cultivation demonstrated sporadic mycobacteria in liver, spleen, kidneys, lungs and bone marrow. The goose and the duck are very resistant to M. avium infection. The duck seems to be less susceptible than the duck.

[Pathogenesis of avian mycobacteriosis in the domestic turkey (Meleagris gallopavo f. domestica) and guinea fowl (Numida meleagris f. domestica)]. / Patogeneze aviární mykobakteriózy krocana domácího (Meleagris gallopavo f. domestica) a perlicky domácí (Numida meleagris f. domestica).

Experimental infections enabled to study susceptibility to M. avium and disease pathogenesis in the turkey and guinea fowl. After intramuscular implantation of M. avium suspension macroscopic tuberculous lesions were observed at the spot of puncture in turkeys in 35 days, and miliary tuberculosis of liver and spleen in 55 days. Cultivation demonstrated mycobacteria in various organs and tissues since day 12 after infection. The guinea fowl showed macroscopic lesions at the spot of puncture in 28 days, and miliary tuberculosis of liver and spleen in 42 days. Cultivation of most tissues gave positive results since day 14 with prevailing massive growth of mycobacteria. After infection with feed contaminated with the liver of the tuberculous fowl isolated tuberculous lesions in liver, spleen and lungs were observed in the turkey in 133 days, and in the intestine in 163 days. Cultivation was successful enough to demonstrate sporadic mycobacteria in spleen and lungs in 106 days. The guinea fowl showed isolated tuberculous lesions in liver, spleen and intestines in 160 days. Cultivation after 160 days also gave positive results, particularly the presence of mycobacteria in liver, spleen and lungs was proved to be massive. After contacts with the tuberculous fowl, the turkeys showed isolated tuberculous lesions in the liver, spleen and lungs since day 218. Cultivation gave positive results since day 218. Isolated tuberculous lesions in liver were observed in the guinea fowl in 180 days, as well as in spleen, lungs and intestines in 270 days. Cultivation demonstrated smaller numbers of mycobacteria in the infected tissues.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Incidence of allergic reactions in small flocks of poultry and the pathogenesis of avian mycobacteriosis in domestic fowl]. / Výskyt alergických reakcí v malochovech drubeze a patogeneze aviární mykobakteriózy kura domácího.

Incidence of allergic reactions to avian tuberculin was investigated in 12,549 birds of the domestic fowl in the territory of one district, in 16 villages and in 721 small flocks. The reactions were found in 7.3% of birds and 35.5% flocks were infected. The zero reactions to tuberculin were observed only in one village out of the 16 villages investigated. Experimental infection confirmed high susceptibility of the domestic fowl to M. avium. After intramuscular implantation of M. avium suspension allergy to avian tuberculin was observed within a fortnight while within the same period histological lesions were found in muscle at the spot of puncture, in liver and spleen. Macroscopic lesions at the spot of puncture and in liver appeared in 21 days, and miliary tuberculosis of liver and spleen was detected almost regularly since day 28. Cultivation demonstrated mycobacteria in all the organs and tissues examined except the intestine in 12 days after infection. After peroral infection tuberculin allergy was observed in 106 days. Histological lesions were found in spleen in 49 days, as well as in liver, lungs and intestines in 96 days. Macroscopic lesions occurred in liver, spleen, lungs and intestine in 106 days. Small numbers of mycobacteria were isolated from various organs and tissues in 36 days after infection, and also from the intestine in 160 days. After infection by contacts with the tuberculous fowl tuberculin allergy appeared in 157 days. The first tuberculous lesions appeared in liver in 106 days, in spleen and intestine in 180 days.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Salmonella contamination of the environment and its incidence in wild birds.

In 1984-1991, the incidence of salmonellas was studied in wild birds from various sites in the Czech Republic. On an agricultural farm with salmonellosis in calves, salmonellae were isolated from eight birds (seven Passer domesticus, one Serinus serinus) of 31 birds examined. On various agricultural farms with no salmonellosis in farm animals, salmonellae were found in two birds (Columba livia f. domestica) of 2186 birds examined. Of 35 birds caught at a municipal waste-dump site, salmonellae were isolated from one specimen (Larus canus). No salmonellae were found in birds living in reed growths and in various military training areas (557 and 116 birds examined, respectively). In black-headed gulls (Larus ridibundus) from various areas with bodies of water, salmonellae were found in 4.2% of 189 adults and 19.2% of 740 non-flying young examined. S. typhimurium was the most common serotype isolated from gulls. Phage type 141 [corrected] represented 32% of 48 phage-typed strains. This study shows a relationship between the contamination of the environment with salmonellae and their incidence in wild birds.

[Epizootiology and pathogenesis of avian mycobacteriosis in the field rook (Corvus frugilegus)]. / Epizootologie a patogeneze aviární mykobakteriózy havrana polního (Corvus frugilegus).

The occurrence of avian mycobacteriosis in the rook (C. frugilegus) was investigated in the years 1966-1985. A total of 188 birds captured at three localities of the Czech Republic were subjected to patho-morphological examination and to culture examination. Patho-anatomic lesions were observed in five rooks (2.6%), M. avium was isolated from 10 rooks (5.3%). Positive findings occurred in each examined locality. Rook sensitivity to M. avium infection was tested by experimental infections. After intramuscular infection with M. avium suspension macroscopic tuberculosis lesions were found out at the place of puncture, histological lesions in liver and spleen at the beginning of the trial (days 12-35). Mycobacteria were isolated from particular organs and tissues, more frequently at the beginning of the trial. Peroral infection by feed contaminated with liver of tuberculous fowl failed to induce tuberculous lesions, while a proof of M. avium from the organs was the only one after 157 days. The contact of the rook with the tuberculous fowl did not lead to the origin of tuberculous lesions after 238 days nor were the mycobacteria proved in the rook tissues. In comparison with e.g. the house sparrow, tree sparrow and pheasant, the rook is very resistant to M. avium infection according to the results of experimental infections. A relatively frequent occurrence of tuberculous processes or of mycobacteria in the rook captured in the open area is probably conditioned by a possibility of repeated, frequent contacts of the rook with the contaminated environment during its longer life.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Epizootiology and pathogenesis of avian mycobacteriosis in domestic pigeons (Columba livia f. domestica)]. / Epizootologie a patogeneze aviární mykobakteriózy holuba domacího (Columba livia f. domestica).

The occurrence and expansion of avian mycobacteriosis in the pigeon, its sensitivity to infection and epizootological importance as a source of M. avium were investigated. A total of 470 pigeons were examined coming from seven localities with different epizootological situation in avian tuberculosis. Tuberculous lesions were found out in 2 birds (0.43%) and mycobacteria were isolated from five birds (1.06%). Four out of the five isolated strains of mycobacteria were pathogenic to the domestic fowl. Experimental infections demonstrated the pigeon's high resistance to M. avium. Intramuscular infection with the suspension of M. avium induced histological lesions in the muscle at the spot of puncture in a fortnight, in the liver it was in 28 days, in the lungs and intestines in 56 days. Macroscopic changes were observed at the spot of puncture only in 21 days, but they were not observed in other organs and tissues. The mycobacteria were isolated since the 12th day after infection, particularly from the muscle at the spot of puncture, from liver, spleen and medulla. Macroscopic changes were found out in the intestine in 160 days after peroral infection with feed contaminated with the liver of tuberculous fowl. The mycobacteria of various organs and tissues were isolated from the pigeons killed in 160 days. After a contact with the tuberculous fowl histological changes in the intestinal wall were observed in 380 days in one case only and the mycobacteria were demonstrated by cultivation in the medulla of a pigeon which died in 68 days.

[Epizootiology and pathogenesis of avian mycobacteriosis in the laughing gull (Larus ridibundus)]. / Epizootologie a patogeneze aviární mykobakteriózy racka chechtavého (Larus ridibundus).

The occurrence of avian mycobacteriosis and sensitivity to M. avium were investigated in the laughing gull in this paper. The patho-morphological and culture examination of 35 individuals of the laughing gull caught at four different localities of the Czech Republic did not reveal any tuberculous lesions nor did it enable to isolate mycobacteria. After experimental intramuscular infection by suspension of M. avium macroscopic tuberculous lesions were found at the spot of puncture in 35 days, in liver and spleen in 70 days since the beginning of infection. In the simultaneously infected domestic fowl the lesions were determined at the spot of puncture, in spleen and liver in 35 days. Mycobacteria were isolated from several organs and tissues in both species in 35 days after infection. Tuberculous lesions were found in liver, spleen and intestines of the laughing gull in 118 days since peroral infection by feed contaminated with the liver of tuberculous fowl. This finding was identical in spleen of the domestic fowl only in 118 days. Mycobacteria were demonstrated in both species in 118 days, in liver, spleen, intestine and/or brain in the laughing gull, while in spleen only in the domestic fowl. Intestinal tuberculosis was determined in the laughing gull in 118 days after infection. The results of experimental infections show that the sensitivity of the laughing gull to M. avium is the same as in the domestic fowl. The occurrence of tuberculosis in the laughing gull is apparently depending upon the local epizootological situation, particularly upon the occurrence of M. avium sources and their accessibility.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Incidence of Toxoplasma gondii in populations of domestic birds in the Czech republic.

The prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in the domestic fowl was studied in the Strakonice district in southern Bohemia (Czechoslovakia) between 1981 and 1990. The presence of antibodies and T. gondii cysts was ascertained by means of Sabin-Feldman dye tests and isolation assays, respectively. Of 3338 samples of chicken serum from 13 small backyard operations, antibodies were detected in 5.1% of cases. T. gondii cysts were found in two of 10 chickens examined. A total of 1120 chickens from a commercial farm was tested and antibodies were found in 0.01% of them. Isolation assays were made on 1097 chickens and T. gondii cysts were found in 0.36% of them. In small backyard operations, tests for antibodies were made on 28 guinea-fowl (negative), 297 ducks (1.7% positive) and 32 geese (15.6% positive).

[Epizootiology and pathogenesis of avian mycobacteriosis in doves (Streptopelia sp.)]. / Epizootologie a patogeneze aviární mykobakteriózy hrdlicky (Streptopelia sp.).

The collared turtle-dove (Streptopelia decaocto) and the turtle dove are common synanthropic bird species. The collared turtle dove in particular comes to close contact with farm animals, including with tuberculosis-infected small poultry on farms. It can thus be infected by avian mycobacteria and to become their further source and disseminator. Elucidating the occurrence of avian mycobacteriosis in turtle we examined 218 specimens of the collared turtle-doves and 22 specimens of turtle-doves taken in habitats with different epidemiological setting. We found no pathomorphological tuberculous lesions and isolated no mycobacteria from organs or the contents of intestines in any of them, though we also examined turtles living near poultry farms infected with tuberculosis or near farms where avian tuberculin-positive cattle was reared. Under the same conditions we found repeatedly, e.g. in sparrows, both the tuberculous lesions and mycobacteria. The turtle dove can thus be considered as very resistant to avian mycobacteria and the occurrence of avian mycobacteriosis can be regarded as rather exceptional. The susceptibility of the collared turtle-dove to avian mycobacteria was verified also by experimental infections. After intramuscular infections of M. avium serotype 2 suspension, we demonstrated macroscopic tuberculosis lesions only in the site of inoculation from day 21 onwards. The histological lesions were found in the liver, spleen and bone marrow from day 28 after inoculation. However, mycobacteria were isolated from various organs and tissues as early as 12 days after inoculation. Attempts to demonstrate tuberculous lesions and to isolate mycobacteria from the intestines failed. No tuberculous lesions produced in turtle dove within the period of 122 days after peroral infection by food contaminated by TBC poultry livers and bacteriologically examined was negative too. After free contact between TBC poultry and turtle doves the sporadic histological TBC changes in liver were found after 180 days and in one case mycobacteria were isolated from the liver and muscle after 157 days. The transfer of M. avium from TBC infected turtle doves pigs and poultry was successful. After 45 days of join contact among TBC turtle doves, healthy pigs and poultry in stables and after further stay of pigs and poultry in contaminated environment for additional 65 and 175 days, respectively. In the course of the experiment, 105 days after its onset, marked reaction to avian tuberculin was demonstrated in one pig. Simultaneously with it, the TBC lesions in mandibular and mesenteric lymphatic glands were found. In one pig, mycobacteria were isolated from those suspectedly affected lymphatic glands.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

[The occurrence of avian mycobacteriosis in wild birds during various epizootic conditions of tuberculosis in poultry]. / Výskyt aviární mykobakteriózy u volne zijícího ptactva v ruzných epizootologických pomerech tuberkulózy drubeze.

The occurrence of tuberculosis in free-living birds was studied in relation to a certain epidemiological situation in a long-term study from 1966 to 1990. A total of 3210 birds were examined. Mycobacteria were isolated in five cases from free-living birds in the environment of six poultry rearing farms where tuberculosis was found in domestic fowl. At individual localities, the occurrence of mycobacteria was 3.5-50.0%. Generalized tuberculosis was found in one case in house sparrow (Passer domesticus). On the investigated poultry rearing farms, the distribution of tuberculosis infection in free-living birds was directly related to the distribution and stage of tuberculosis in poultry or to the achieved extent of eradication. On a poultry rearing farm where no mycobacteria were isolated from free-living birds, a successful eradication of tuberculosis by flock exchange was in progress. During the examination of free-living birds on three farms, mycobacteria were found at two localities where poultry infected with tuberculosis was kept either on the farm or in its immediate vicinity. On the third farm, where no mycobacteria were found in free-living birds, only sporadic reactors to tuberculin were found during survey in spatially separated flocks. No mycobacteria were isolated from birds examined on two farms in whose vicinity poultry was not reared at all. Similarly, bacteriological cultures were negative in a group of 298 birds examined during five years in the environment of a poultry enterprise farm free from tuberculosis. No mycobacteria were found in a large group of 2303 free-living birds taken in the wild except four rooks (Corvus frugilegus). However, this is a migratory species which is noted for its considerable longevity. It is thus more probable that these birds were infected outside the locality which the specimens were taken from. Out of the isolated strains of mycobacteria that were further examined by a biological experiment, 86.6% were pathogenic to domestic fowl, serotype M. avium 2. The results of these examinations suggest that the presence of tuberculosis-infected poultry as a major source of M. avium is necessary for the infection of free-living birds. The infectious agent apparently does not persist and spread within the flocks of free-living birds.

[Epizootiology and pathogenesis of avian mycobacteriosis in the house sparrow (Passer domesticus) and tree sparrow (Passer montanus)]. / Epizootologie a patogeneze aviární mykobakteriózy vrabce domácího (Passer domesticus) a vrabce polního (Passer montanus).

The occurrence and extension of avian mycobacteriosis in house-sparrows (P. domesticus) and mountain-sparrows (P. montanus) have been followed under different epidemiological conditions. Out of 2.929 totally examined house-sparrow pathological changes of tuberculosis were found in 3 (0.10%) animals and in 14 (0.48%) animals the mycobacteria were isolated. By an examination of 544 mountain-sparrow the mycobacteria in 12 (2.20%) cases and in 1 case were isolated and the mycobacteria were found in the intestinal contents. Out of 11 different locations the mycobacteria were found only in places where a contact between sparrows and poultry contaminated by TBC was possible. In some cases the sparrow could be a source of mycobacteria for cattle as well. Simultaneously, the occurrence of TBC in sparrows out of cattle stables correlated with high incidence of avian tuberculin reactions in cattle stabled there. The sparrow could be here not only the source but also an indicator of mycobacteria environment infection. All isolated strains of mycobacteria were virulent for poultry. In experimental infections there was proven a high sensitivity of both species of sparrows to M. avium. After intramuscular infection of M. avium suspension the histological changes in liver have been observed after 12 days, the microscopic changes after 21 days and miliary TBC after 35 days. Peroral infection by food contaminated by TBC poultry livers caused TBC changes in liver and spleen with clinical symptoms and death after 91 days. After free contact between TBC poultry and healthy sparrows the tuberculous changes of parenchymatous organs in sparrows were found after 180 days. There was no difference in sensitivity between the house-sparrow and mountain-sparrow. The transfer of M. avium from TBC-infected sparrows to pigs and poultry was successful. After 45 days of join contact among TBC sparrows, healthy pigs and poultry in stables and after further stay of pigs and poultry in contaminated surroundings there was found an allergy to tuberculin after 65 or 178 days, respectively. Simultaneously, the TBC liver and spleen in poultry were found. The house-sparrow and mountain-sparrow are very sensitive to the M. avium infections. The occurrence and extension of TBC infections in sparrows depends first of all on the possibility of contacts with TBC-infected poultry. Infected sparrows can be an important source of M. avium for other species of animals.

[Epizootiology and pathogenesis of avian mycobacteriosis in the ring-necked pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) and the Hungarian partridge (Perdix perdix)]. / Epizootologie a patogeneze aviární mykobakteriózy bazanta obecného (Phasianus colchicus) a koroptve polní (Perdix perdix).

Various species of free living birds play an important role in the epidemiological of avian mycobacteriosis as a source of mycobacteria. Among them of certain importance are feathered game, in this country, particularly pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) and partridge (Perdix perdix). In these species, closer contact with domestic animals can be expected. The aim of this work was to find their susceptibility to M. avium, origin and location of tuberculosis process and the occurrence of mycobacteria in organs and tissues. Moreover, in pheasants the possibility of transfer of M. avium through infected individuals to pigs and poultry. After the intramuscular infection of M. avium suspension, the local lesions developed in the point of application in pheasants after 12 days. Microscopic changes in liver and in spleen in pheasants and partridges developed after 21 days. Miliary TBC in liver and spleen and the histological changes in the intestinal wall developed after 35 days. The mycobacteria were isolated sporadic after 12 days and after 21 days they were isolated from most organs and tissues and from the intestinal contents. Peroral infection by food contaminated by TBC poultry livers caused miliary TBC in liver and spleen and TBC changes in intestinal contents in pheasants after 136 days. Mycobacteria were regularly demonstrated in organs and in intestinal contents after 160 days. This model of infection could not be evaluated in partridge, because of early deaths resulting from secondary complicated infection. After free contact between TBC poultry and pheasants and partridges, histological changes were found in spleen of pheasants and in liver of partridges after 180 days. TBC changes were found in liver of pheasants after 238 days and in the intestines of pheasants after 270 days. TBC changes were found in spleen of partridges after 250 days. The transfer of M. avium from TBC infected pheasants to pigs and poultry was successful. After 45 days of join contact among TBC pheasants, healthy pigs and poultry in stables and after further stay of pigs and poultry in contaminated environment, an allergy to tuberculin was found after 65 and 178 days, respectively. Simultaneously, the TBC changes of lymphatic glands in pigs and the TBC changes of liver and spleen in poultry were found. Our results show high susceptibility of pheasant and partridge to the infection by M. avium. The TBC changes develop in these species relatively shortly after infection and elimination of mycobacteria in faeces. Infected pheasants have ability to contaminate the environment and to transfer mycobacterial infection even after relatively short contact with pigs and poultry.

Incidence of Toxoplasma gondii in populations of wild birds in the Czech Republic.

The protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii was isolated from 193 individuals of 25 wild avian species, in a survey between 1981 and 90 in which 5880 individuals, comprising 76 species, were examined. The incidence of T. gondii was 18% in rooks (Corvus frugilegus), 12% in mallards (Anas platyrhynchos), 8% in common buzzards (Buteo buteo), 2% in pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) and 0.5% in house sparrows (Passer domesticus) and differed significantly in these species (X(2) test, P<0.001). In rooks, the cysts of T. gondii were found in the heart, brain, sex organs, skeletal muscle and liver.

[Occurrence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in blood donors 1980-1990]. / Výskyt protilátek proti Toxoplasma gondii u dárcu krve za casové období 1980-1990.

In 1980-1990 in the Strakonice district parallel serological examinations, using the Sabin-Feldman test (SFT) and complement fixation test (CFT), were made in 2,758 blood donors for the presence of antibodies against toxoplasmosis. The total number of examinations was 8,245. In the course of the mentioned time interval no significant increase or decrease of the serological prevalence occurred. During the first examination of blood donors the SFR antibodies (titre > or = 4) were detected in 45.4%, CFT (titre > or = 10) in 24.6% donors. 651 blood donors were examined four times or more frequently after 6-month intervals. 22.9% donors lacked antibodies (SFT and CFT) permanently, a rarely present low titre was recorded in another 22.9% donors, a repeated low titre in 43.6% and a repeatedly encountered medium or high titre in 10.6% of blood donors.