Severe sparganosis in Australian tree frogs.
Lee Berger1, Lee F Skerratt, Xing-Quan Zhu
1Amphibian Disease Ecology Group, School of Public Health, Tropical Medicine and Rehabilitation Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia. lee.berger@jcu.edu.au
Journal of Wildlife Diseases
|November 11, 2009
Summary
Spirometra erinacei spargana infect Australian frogs, causing severe disease in some. This study highlights sparganosis as a significant health concern for free-ranging amphibians in Australia.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Amphibian Pathology
- Wildlife Disease Ecology
Background:
- Spargana of Spirometra erinacei are known to infect numerous vertebrate species.
- Severe sparganosis disease has been documented in limited host species.
- Data on Spirometra erinacei impacts on Australian frogs are scarce.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and pathological effects of Spirometra erinacei spargana in free-ranging Australian amphibians.
- To identify frog species affected by sparganosis and the location of infections.
- To assess the clinical significance of sparganosis in sick frogs.
Main Methods:
- A survey of sick, free-ranging amphibians in eastern Australia was conducted between 1993 and 2000.
- Infected frogs were examined for the presence and location of Spirometra erinacei spargana (plerocercoids).
- Pathological changes associated with sparganosis were documented, including muscle and tissue damage.
Main Results:
- Spirometra erinacei spargana were detected in 4.9% (12/243) of sick frogs.
- Infections were found in the skeletal muscle and subcutis, particularly the thighs, of four Litoria frog species.
- Severe infections in seven frogs were linked to poor body condition and debilitating lesions, including muscle replacement and inflammation.
Conclusions:
- Sparganosis caused by Spirometra erinacei is a significant disease affecting free-ranging frogs in Australia.
- The parasite can cause severe pathological changes, including extensive muscle damage and inflammation.
- Further research is needed to understand the full impact of sparganosis on amphibian populations.
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