Scanning Electron Microscopy of Tracheas from Turkey Poults Infected with Alcaligenes faecalis

The cranial portions of tracheas from turkey poults infected with Alcaligenes faecalis were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and light microscopy. Following exposure, there was cellular extrusion, deciliation, and finally complete loss of the pseudostratified columnar epithelium. There was a marked variation in severity of the lesions in different parts of the trachea as observed by light microscopy. The most-severe lesions were detected in the cranial portion of the trachea.