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Fatal trematodiasis in research turtles.
C A Johnson1, J W Griffith, P Tenorio
1Department of Comparative Medicine, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Pennsylvania State University, USA.
Laboratory Animal Science
|March 25, 1999
Summary
Spirorchis fluke infections caused spontaneous deaths in freshwater turtles. The parasite
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Parasitology
- Herpetology
Background:
- Freshwater turtles (Trachemys scripta elegans and Chrysemys picta) are susceptible to various diseases.
- Spontaneous mortality in research turtles necessitates understanding underlying pathologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cause of spontaneous deaths in research freshwater turtles.
- To identify the causative agent and pathological mechanisms of disease in affected turtles.
Main Methods:
- Necropsy and histological examination of deceased turtles.
- Identification of parasitic eggs and associated inflammatory responses in various tissues.
Main Results:
- Sixteen turtles died showing signs of lethargy, neurological deficits, and carapace lesions.
- Histopathology revealed widespread trematode eggs (consistent with Spirorchis sp.) in multiple organs, associated with granulomatous reactions.
- Pathology included hepatic, pancreatic, and splenic necrosis, suggesting widespread egg deposition leading to vascular blockage and potential bacteremia.
Conclusions:
- Spirorchis sp. infection is a significant cause of mortality in freshwater turtles.
- Diagnosis involves identifying fluke eggs in feces (antemortem) or tissues (postmortem).
- Praziquantel is a potential treatment for Spirorchis infections.