Degenerative Encephalopathy in a Coastal Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis zonata multifasciata) due to Adenoviral-like Infection

Abstract

In March 2000, an approximately 30-yr-old, male coastal mountain kingsnake (Lampropeltis zonata multifasciata) presented with disequilibrium and unresponsiveness to stimuli that ultimately lead to euthanasia. Histologically, there were foci of gliosis primarily within the caudal cerebrum, brainstem, and cervical spinal cord. Several glial cells and endothelial cells contained magenta, intranuclear inclusion bodies. Electron microscopy of the inclusions revealed paracrystalline arrays of 79-82 nm, viral-like particles. DNA in situ hybridization of sections of formalin-fixed brain using a mixture of two digoxigenin-end-labeled, adenovirus specific, oligonucleotide probes at low and high stringency was positive for adenovirus.

Viruses Infecting Reptiles

“…The most common clinical sign in squamates is anorexia, which can also be associated with lethargy and wasting. Central nervous symptoms including head tilt, opisthotonus, and circling have been described [88–90]. In individual cases, stomatitis [91] and dermatitis [92] have also been described.…”

“…Basophilic intranuclear inclusions are commonly described, particularly in hepatocytes where they have been associated with areas of necrosis. Intranuclear inclusions have also been documented in enterocytes [89,91,97], myocardial endothelial cells [93], renal epithelial cells [98], endocardium, and epithelial cells of the lung [96], as well as in glial and endothelial cells in the brain [90]. …”

Detection and phylogenetic analysis of adenoviruses occurring in a single anole species

“…In reptiles, pet trade husbandry has allowed for the study of viruses infecting controlled captive populations, providing to a robust understanding of several diseases in captivity (Raymond et al, 2003; Garner et al, 2008; Abbas et al, 2011; Hyndman & Shilton, 2011; Doneley, Buckle & Hulse, 2014; Bak, Yeonsook & Woo, 2018). However, field-based studies of these pathogens have lagged.…”

Detection and Analysis of Six Lizard Adenoviruses by Consensus Primer PCR Provides Further Evidence of a Reptilian Origin for the Atadenoviruses

“…Lesions in reptiles associated with AdV-like agents include hepatitis (25,27,29,43), enteritis (22,30,47), esophagitis (24,40), splenitis (22), and encephalopathy (41). The only reptile adenovirus previously further classified was a corn snake (Elaphe guttata) isolate (15) which was consistent with the genus Atadenovirus.…”