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Meningoencephalitis in a Boelen's python (Morelia boeleni) associated with paramyxovirus infection
1San Antonio Zoo and Aquarium, 3903 North St. Mary's Street, San Antonio, Texas 78212, USA.
Abstract:
An adult male Boelen's python, Morelia boeleni, presented with acute neurologic disease and was euthanatized. Histologic examination revealed nonsuppurative meningoencephalitis. Occasional eosinophilic intracytoplasmic inclusions were noted in glial cells. On the basis of clinical signs and histopathology, inclusion body disease of boid snakes was suspected, but inclusions were not seen in other organs commonly affected with the disease. Moreover, electron microscopy revealed that the inclusions contained stacks of filaments 13-14 nm wide. With the use of a generic paramyxovirus cDNA probe, sections of brain and esophageal ganglion demonstrated hybridization. The findings indicate that paramyxovirus was the likely cause of the encephalomyelitis in this python, and this virus should be included in the differential diagnosis of pythons exhibiting central nervous system disease.
Insights
A Boelen's python with neurologic disease showed nonsuppurative meningoencephalitis. Parvovirus infection was suspected, but findings suggest a paramyxovirus caused the central nervous system disease.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Herpetology
- Virology
Background:
- Boelen's pythons (Morelia boeleni) can develop acute neurologic disease.
- Nonsuppurative meningoencephalitis is a significant histopathological finding in snakes.
- Inclusion body disease of boid snakes is a differential diagnosis for neurologic signs in pythons.
Observation:
- An adult male Boelen's python presented with acute neurologic signs and was euthanatized.
- Histopathology revealed nonsuppurative meningoencephalitis with intracytoplasmic inclusions in glial cells.
- Electron microscopy showed inclusions containing 13-14 nm wide filaments.
Findings:
- Hybridization with a paramyxovirus cDNA probe confirmed the presence of paramyxovirus in brain and esophageal ganglion tissues.
- The observed meningoencephalitis and viral inclusions are consistent with a paramyxovirus infection.
- The findings differentiate this case from typical inclusion body disease of boid snakes.
Implications:
- Paramyxovirus is identified as the likely causative agent of encephalomyelitis in this Boelen's python.
- This study expands the understanding of viral diseases affecting pythons.
- Paramyxovirus should be considered in the differential diagnosis for pythons presenting with central nervous system disease.