Parasites in pet reptiles

Abstract

Exotic reptiles originating from the wild can be carriers of many different pathogens and some of them can infect humans. Reptiles imported into Slovenia from 2000 to 2005, specimens of native species taken from the wild and captive bred species were investigated. A total of 949 reptiles (55 snakes, 331 lizards and 563 turtles), belonging to 68 different species, were examined for the presence of endoparasites and ectoparasites. Twelve different groups (Nematoda (5), Trematoda (1), Acanthocephala (1), Pentastomida (1) and Protozoa (4)) of endoparasites were determined in 26 (47.3%) of 55 examined snakes. In snakes two different species of ectoparasites were also found. Among the tested lizards eighteen different groups (Nematoda (8), Cestoda (1), Trematoda (1), Acanthocephala (1), Pentastomida (1) and Protozoa (6)) of endoparasites in 252 (76.1%) of 331 examined animals were found. One Trombiculid ectoparasite was determined. In 563 of examined turtles eight different groups (Nematoda (4), Cestoda (1), Trematoda (1) and Protozoa (2)) of endoparasites were determined in 498 (88.5%) animals. In examined turtles three different species of ectoparasites were seen. The established prevalence of various parasites in reptiles used as pet animals indicates the need for examination on specific pathogens prior to introduction to owners.

Prevalência de Cryptosporidium serpentis em serpentes de cativeiro

“…Surtos de criptosporidiose têm sido descritos em colônias de serpentes de cativeiro (RATAJ, 2011). Assim como observado para outros coccídios, as condições e a contaminação do meio ambiente são fundamentais para que a infecção possa se disseminar rapidamente (FAYER, 2010).…”

Occurrence of Camallanus trispinosus in a captive Indian star tortoise (Geochelone elegans)

“…Though tortoises are also belonging to chelonians, they are commonly affected with nematodes belonging to ascarididae and oxyuridae all over the world (Keymer 1978). However incidence of camallanoids in tortoise was not reported elsewhere except in European pond tortoise, Emys orbicularis (Rataj et al 2011). Indian star tortoises were also commonly affected with ascarid and oxyurid round worms (Nathanael et al 2004).…”

Ascaridia galli infection in a checkered keelback (Xenochrophis piscator) snake

“…by faecal sample examination. Rataj, et al (2011) studied the prevalence of endo-parasites in snakes of Slovenia by faecal sample examination and found 26 (47.3 %) snakes positive for eggs of Strongylid spp., Ascarid spp., Capillaria spp. and Porocephalus crotali.…”