Chlamydia-Induced bilateral ectropion of the inferior eyelids in pigeons

In this study we described four cases of bilateral ectropion in pigeons tha t were investigated in Greece. Anemia, leukocytosis, and increased levels o f enzymes lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, creatine phosp hokinase, and total serum proteins were found. Chlamydial elementary bodies were observed by modified Ziehl-Neelsen stain in direct smears of conjucti va, liver, and spleen as well as in yolk sac samples after egg inoculation with eyelid material. Histologically, significant hyperplasia of the conjun ctival epithelium was observed. Using immunohistochemical methods, chlamydi al antigen was revealed in eyelid, liver, and spleen paraffin sections. Thi s study suggests that Chlamydia spp. was the causative agent that induced e ctropion.