First identification of a ranavirus from green pythons (Chondropython viridis)

Area of Science:

• Herpetology
• Veterinary Pathology
• Virology

Background:

• Illegal wildlife trade poses risks for disease introduction.
• Green pythons (Chondropython viridis) are frequently trafficked internationally.
• Ranaviruses (family Iridoviridae) are known pathogens of fish, amphibians, and reptiles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the cause of mortality in illegally imported juvenile green pythons.
• To characterize the isolated virus and determine its taxonomic classification.
• To report the first instance of systemic ranavirus infection in snakes.

Main Methods:

• Histologic examination of affected tissues (nasal mucosa, liver, pharyngeal submucosa).
• Virus isolation and characterization using various molecular and immunological techniques (immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy, PCR, DNA sequencing, etc.).
• Taxonomic classification of the isolated virus within the genus Ranavirus.

Main Results:

• Histopathology revealed chronic nasal ulceration, hepatic degeneration/necrosis, and necrotizing pharyngitis.
• A systemic iridovirus was successfully isolated from multiple tissues of affected snakes.
• Molecular and biochemical analyses confirmed the virus as a novel member of the genus Ranavirus.

Conclusions:

• A novel ranavirus was identified as the causative agent of disease and mortality in green pythons.
• This finding represents the first documented case of systemic ranavirus infection in snakes.
• The study underscores the potential for novel pathogen emergence through the illegal wildlife trade.