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Klynova O, Zinenko O. Isolation of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana from a skin lesion in a wild Nikolsky's viper (Vipera berus nikolskii). J Comp Pathol 2024; 210:5-7. [PMID: 38458014 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2024.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Mycotic lesions of the skin of snakes are often associated with the fungus Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola, but other pathogens can cause similar signs. A skin sample from a wild Nikolsky's viper (Vipera berus nikolskii) with dermal lesions was collected in eastern Ukraine. A pure fungal culture was obtained and identified using nucleotide sequence analysis as the entomopathogenic species Beauveria bassiana sensu lato. Although Beauveria spp are considered to be non-pathogenic in vertebrates, sporadic infections have been reported. This report highlights the need to explore various pathogens when diagnosing the cause of snake integumentary lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleksandra Klynova
- V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, 4 Svobody Square, Kharkiv, 61022, Ukraine.
| | - Oleksandr Zinenko
- V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, 4 Svobody Square, Kharkiv, 61022, Ukraine
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2
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Nardoni S, Mancianti F. Mycotic Diseases in Chelonians. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9050518. [PMID: 37233230 DOI: 10.3390/jof9050518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Turtles and 'tortoises' populations are declining in number, the factors driving extinction risks being related to habitat loss and degradation, climate change, introduction of invasive plant and animal species, consumption by humans for food and medicinal use, and collection for international pet trade. Fungal infections represent one of the main threats for ecosystem health. The present narrative review deals with conventional and emerging mycoses of Chelonians. Although conventional mycoses in captive and pet reptiles would depend on poor husbandry, being the agents mostly opportunistic pathogens, some fungal species were reported to occur more frequently, such as the entomopathogen Purpureocillium lilacinum. Furthermore, emerging agents such as the Fusarium solani species complex have been recognized as a real threat for the surviving of some aquatic species, acting as primary pathogens. This complex has been recently included within pathogens in One Health issues. Emydomyces testavorans is recognized as an emerging threat, although, due its recent identification, information about its epidemiology is limited. Data about treatments and outcomes of mycoses in Chelonians are also referred.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Nardoni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Mancianti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy
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3
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Ferreira-Machado E, Navas-Suárez PE, Ervedosa TB, Figueiredo KB, de Carvalho ACSR, Takahashi JPF, Kimura LM, de Araújo LJT, de Azevedo Fernandes NCC, Sanches TC, Rivas L, Frediani M, Zwarg TM, Blume GR, Eloi RSA, de Oliveira LB, Santos ALRM, das Chagas NTC, Guerra JM. Infections by entomopathogenic fungi in common green iguanas (Iguana iguana) in captivity in Brazil. J Comp Pathol 2023; 201:16-22. [PMID: 36646035 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2022.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Entomopathogenic fungi, widely available biological agents used to control agricultural pests, are sporadically reported to cause focal or disseminated infection in reptiles and mammals, including humans. This study summarizes the clinical presentation, histopathological and molecular findings by panfungal polymerase chain reaction and sequencing of four cases of hypocrealean fungal infections in captive common green iguanas (Iguana, iguana). One case of granulomatous pneumonia, hepatitis and serositis was related to Metarhizium flavoviride complex infection. Two disseminated fungal infection cases, with scarce inflammatory cell infiltration, were caused by Beauveria bassiana while there was one case of multifocal granulomatous and necrotizing pneumonia by Purpureocillium spp. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of fatal mycosis infection due to entomopathogenic fungi in captive common green iguanas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Ferreira-Machado
- Pathology Center, Adolfo Lutz Institute, São Paulo, Brazil; Wildlife Comparative Pathology Laboratory (LAPCOM), Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Pedro E Navas-Suárez
- Pathology Center, Adolfo Lutz Institute, São Paulo, Brazil; Wildlife Comparative Pathology Laboratory (LAPCOM), Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Lidia M Kimura
- Pathology Center, Adolfo Lutz Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Natália C C de Azevedo Fernandes
- Pathology Center, Adolfo Lutz Institute, São Paulo, Brazil; Wildlife Comparative Pathology Laboratory (LAPCOM), Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thaís C Sanches
- Centro de Manejo e Conservação de Animais Silvestres (CeMaCAS), Divisão da Fauna Silvestre, Prefeitura do Município de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luana Rivas
- Centro de Manejo e Conservação de Animais Silvestres (CeMaCAS), Divisão da Fauna Silvestre, Prefeitura do Município de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mayra Frediani
- Centro de Manejo e Conservação de Animais Silvestres (CeMaCAS), Divisão da Fauna Silvestre, Prefeitura do Município de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ticiana M Zwarg
- Centro de Manejo e Conservação de Animais Silvestres (CeMaCAS), Divisão da Fauna Silvestre, Prefeitura do Município de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Guilherme R Blume
- HistoPato Laboratory - Veterinary Anatomopathological Analysis, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - Rômulo S A Eloi
- HistoPato Laboratory - Veterinary Anatomopathological Analysis, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - Letícia B de Oliveira
- HistoPato Laboratory - Veterinary Anatomopathological Analysis, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - André L R M Santos
- HistoPato Laboratory - Veterinary Anatomopathological Analysis, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
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TERBINAFINE PHARMACOKINETICS FOLLOWING SINGLE-DOSE ORAL ADMINISTRATION IN RED-EARED SLIDER TURTLES ( TRACHEMYS SCRIPTA ELEGANS): A PILOT STUDY. J Zoo Wildl Med 2021; 52:520-528. [PMID: 34130394 DOI: 10.1638/2020-0079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In this pilot study, the pharmacokinetics of terbinafine were determined in six apparently healthy red-eared slider turtles (Trachemys scripta elegans) after a single PO administration. Terbinafine suspension (15 mg/kg, once) was administered via gavage tube to all turtles. Blood samples were collected immediately before (time 0) and at 1, 2, 4, 8, 24, and 48 h after drug administration. Plasma terbinafine concentrations were quantified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and noncompartmental pharmacokinetic analysis was performed. None of the animals showed any adverse responses following terbinafine administration. Mean area under the curve from time 0 to 24 h was 1,213 h × ng/ml (range 319-7,309), mean peak plasma concentration was 201.5 ng/ml (range 45.8-585.3), mean time to maximum plasma concentration was 1.26 h (range 1-4), mean residence time was 7.71 h (range 3.85-14.8), and mean terminal half-life was 5.35 h (range 2.67-9.83). The administration of terbinafine (15 mg/kg, PO) may be appropriate for treatment of select fungal organisms with low minimum inhibitory concentrations in red-eared slider turtles but may require q12h administration even for organisms with low minimum inhibitory concentrations. Multiple-dose studies as well as clinical studies are needed to determine ideal dosages and efficacy.
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Schneider J, Heydel T, Pees M, Schrödl W, Schmidt V. Identification of hypocrealean reptile pathogenic isolates with MALDI-TOF MS. Med Mycol 2019; 57:694-702. [PMID: 30445443 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myy114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2018] [Revised: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Biotyper analysis of Nannizziopsis guarroi, a fatal fungal pathogen in lizards, was described recently. Hypocrealean fungal infections in captive reptiles appear with an increasing frequency during the last decade. Therefore, the aim of this study was to proof Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) as diagnostic tool for the identification of reptile pathogenic hypocrealean fungi. Ten fungal isolates obtained from nine reptiles with fungal glossitis, disseminated visceral mycosis, pneumomycosis, and fungal keratitis were analyzed. Phylogeny consisted of fragments of the large subunit of nuclear encoded ribosomal DNA (D1/D2, LSU) and the internal transcribed spacer region 1 of nuclear encoded ribosomal DNA (ITS1) as well as the protein coding gene translation elongation factor 1 alpha (TEF). Results revealed unanimously two Metarhizium granulomatis genotypes in a total of three isolates, various M. viride genotypes (n = 3), two different Purpureocillium lilacinum isolates as well as one isolate of each P. lavendulum and Beauveria bassiana. Purpureocillium lilacinum and B. bassiana are likewise frequently employed as a mycoinsecticide and mycoacaricide in agriculture on a worldwide scale and have occasionally been reported in man, causing fungal keratitis, sclerokeratitis, nosocomial infections in immunosuppressed patients, as well as cavitary pulmonary disease and cutaneous hyalohyphomycosis in immunocompetent patients. According to the results establishment of Biotyper analysis for faster differentiation of reptile-associated fungal pathogens is entirely justified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliane Schneider
- Clinic for Birds and Reptiles, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Tilo Heydel
- Institute of Bacteriology and Mycology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Michael Pees
- Clinic for Birds and Reptiles, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Wieland Schrödl
- Clinic for Birds and Reptiles, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Volker Schmidt
- Clinic for Birds and Reptiles, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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Seilern-Moy K, Fernandez JRR, Macgregor SK, John SK, Linton C, Cunningham AA, Lawson B. Fatal phaeohyphomycosis due to Exophiala sp. infection in a free-living common toad Bufo bufo. DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS 2019; 133:19-24. [PMID: 30997881 DOI: 10.3354/dao03341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
A wild adult female common toad Bufo bufo found dead in Scotland in September 2016 was observed to have hepatomegaly, a large soft tissue mass in the coelomic cavity (2.7 g, 3.5 × 2.3 × 1.8 cm) and numerous dark-red papules (1-2 mm diameter) in the skin and subjacent tissue over the back and dorsal aspects of the limbs. Histopathological examination identified marked hepatitis and coelomitis associated with pigmented fungal hyphae, which are results consistent with a diagnosis of phaeohyphomycosis. Sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer region and the D1-D2 region of the large subunit of the ribosomal RNA gene from affected liver tissue identified the presence of Exophiala (Chaetothyriales) sp., a black yeast previously identified as a cause of amphibian phaeohyphomycosis. To our knowledge, this is the first published report of Exophiala sp. in a wild or captive amphibian in Europe and the first description of phaeohyphomycosis affecting a free-living amphibian in Great Britain. Exophiala spp. are saprobes and opportunistic pathogens. It has been postulated that phaeohyphomycosis is a disease of immunocompromised amphibians; however, we found no evidence of significant concurrent infection or generalised debility in this common toad. Phaeohyphomycosis appears to be a sporadic cause of mortality in amphibians, and this report adds to the growing list of pathogens known to affect wild amphibians in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Seilern-Moy
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
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Purpuriocillium lilacinum infection in captive loggerhead sea turtle hatchlings. Med Mycol Case Rep 2018; 23:8-11. [PMID: 30425920 PMCID: PMC6222136 DOI: 10.1016/j.mmcr.2018.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Revised: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
This paper reports a case of Purpureocillium lilacinum infection in seven loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) hatchlings kept in an aquarium under inadequate condition. The fungus was isolated from skin and pulmonary lesions. Metilene blue and NaCl solutions, Schinus terebinthifolius and eucalyptus essential oils Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations were determined indicating new possibilities for treatment.
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Schmidt V, Klasen L, Schneider J, Hübel J, Cramer K. Pulmonary fungal granulomas and fibrinous pneumonia caused by different hypocrealean fungi in reptiles. Vet Microbiol 2018; 225:58-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2018.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Revised: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 09/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Meyer J, Loncaric I, Richter B, Spergser J. Fatal Purpureocillium lilacinum pneumonia in a green tree python. J Vet Diagn Invest 2017; 30:305-309. [PMID: 29271312 DOI: 10.1177/1040638717750430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A 10-y-old female green tree python ( Morelia viridis) died of fungal pneumonia caused by Purpureocillium lilacinum, which was confirmed histologically and by PCR and subsequent DNA sequencing. The same fungal species was cultivated from a swab taken from the terrarium in which the snake was housed. Clinical and environmental P. lilacinum isolates were indistinguishable by the typing method applied, strongly suggesting clonal relatedness of both isolates. Because no other underlying predisposing respiratory infection could be detected by virus-specific PCR or histopathology, P. lilacinum was considered a primary pulmonary pathogen in this tree python.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Meyer
- Tierarztpraxis Voelkendorf, Villach, Austria (Meyer), University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Microbiology (Loncaric, Spergser), University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.,Institute of Pathology and Forensic Veterinary Medicine (Richter), University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Igor Loncaric
- Tierarztpraxis Voelkendorf, Villach, Austria (Meyer), University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Microbiology (Loncaric, Spergser), University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.,Institute of Pathology and Forensic Veterinary Medicine (Richter), University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Barbara Richter
- Tierarztpraxis Voelkendorf, Villach, Austria (Meyer), University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Microbiology (Loncaric, Spergser), University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.,Institute of Pathology and Forensic Veterinary Medicine (Richter), University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Joachim Spergser
- Tierarztpraxis Voelkendorf, Villach, Austria (Meyer), University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Microbiology (Loncaric, Spergser), University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.,Institute of Pathology and Forensic Veterinary Medicine (Richter), University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
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Rees AF, Alfaro-Shigueto J, Barata PCR, Bjorndal KA, Bolten AB, Bourjea J, Broderick AC, Campbell LM, Cardona L, Carreras C, Casale P, Ceriani SA, Dutton PH, Eguchi T, Formia A, Fuentes MMPB, Fuller WJ, Girondot M, Godfrey MH, Hamann M, Hart KM, Hays GC, Hochscheid S, Kaska Y, Jensen MP, Mangel JC, Mortimer JA, Naro-Maciel E, Ng CKY, Nichols WJ, Phillott AD, Reina RD, Revuelta O, Schofield G, Seminoff JA, Shanker K, Tomás J, van de Merwe JP, Van Houtan KS, Vander Zanden HB, Wallace BP, Wedemeyer-Strombel KR, Work TM, Godley BJ. Are we working towards global research priorities for management and conservation of sea turtles? ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2016. [DOI: 10.3354/esr00801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Characterization of Metarhizium viride Mycosis in Veiled Chameleons (Chamaeleo calyptratus), Panther Chameleons (Furcifer pardalis), and Inland Bearded Dragons (Pogona vitticeps). J Clin Microbiol 2016; 55:832-843. [PMID: 28003420 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.02206-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Metarhizium viride has been associated with fatal systemic mycoses in chameleons, but subsequent data on mycoses caused by this fungus in reptiles are lacking. The aim of this investigation was therefore to obtain information on the presence of M. viride in reptiles kept as pets in captivity and its association with clinical signs and pathological findings as well as improvement of diagnostic procedures. Beside 18S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) (small subunit [SSU]) and internal transcribed spacer region 1 (ITS-1), a fragment of the large subunit (LSU) of 28S rDNA, including domain 1 (D1) and D2, was sequenced for the identification of the fungus and phylogenetic analysis. Cultural isolation and histopathological examinations as well as the pattern of antifungal drug resistance, determined by using agar diffusion testing, were additionally used for comparison of the isolates. In total, 20 isolates from eight inland bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps), six veiled chameleons (Chamaeleo calyptratus), and six panther chameleons (Furcifer pardalis) were examined. Most of the lizards suffered from fungal glossitis, stomatitis, and pharyngitis or died due to visceral mycosis. Treatment with different antifungal drugs according to resistance patterns in all three different lizard species was unsuccessful. Sequence analysis resulted in four different genotypes of M. viride based on differences in the LSU fragment, whereas the SSU and ITS-1 were identical in all isolates. Sequence analysis of the SSU fragment revealed the first presentation of a valid large fragment of the SSU of M. viride According to statistical analysis, genotypes did not correlate with differences in pathogenicity, antifungal susceptibility, or species specificity.
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12
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