Solitary Large Intestinal Diverticulitis in Leatherback Turtles (Dermochelys coriacea)

Abstract

Leatherback sea turtles are globally distributed and endangered throughout their range. There are limited data available on disease in this species. Initial observations of solitary large intestinal diverticulitis in multiple leatherbacks led to a multi-institutional review of cases. Of 31 subadult and adult turtles for which complete records were available, all had a single exudate-filled diverticulum, as large as 9.0 cm in diameter, arising from the large intestine immediately distal to the ileocecal junction. All lesions were chronic and characterized by ongoing inflammation, numerous intralesional bacteria, marked attenuation of the muscularis, ulceration, and secondary mucosal changes. In three cases, Morganella morganii was isolated from lesions. Diverticulitis was unrelated to the cause of death in all cases, although risk of perforation and other complications are possible.

Gastrointestinal investigation of parasites and Enterobacteriaceae in loggerhead sea turtles from Italian coasts

“…Indeed, several bacteria have been isolated in association with gastrointestinal lesions, although frequently initiated by other causes (e.g. ingestion of fishing gears, altered gut motility, parasitism) [3, 22, 23, 33, 39, 60]. In particular, the high prevalence of Proteobacteria, to which Enterobacteriaceae belong, has been suggested as a signature of dysbiosis and deteriorated health status in sea turtles and other animals [4, 8].…”

Citrobacter freundii-associated lesions in stranded loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta)

“…21 However, large intestinal diverticulitis is a common necropsy finding in leatherback turtles. 15,20 These lesions are generally small, 2 to 9 cm in diameter, and not implicated as a cause of stranding or death, although authors suggested the possibility of perforation, obstruction, and septicemia. 15,20 Morganella morganii and Proteus spp have been isolated from these lesions.…”

“…15,20 These lesions are generally small, 2 to 9 cm in diameter, and not implicated as a cause of stranding or death, although authors suggested the possibility of perforation, obstruction, and septicemia. 15,20 Morganella morganii and Proteus spp have been isolated from these lesions. 15,20 Partial blockage of the gastrointestinal tract by the pressure exerted by the diverticulum (as shown by the severe dilation of the lymphatic vessels of the serosa of adjacent intestinal sections) could be responsible for the turtle's poor body condition and buoyancy disorder.…”

“…15,20 Morganella morganii and Proteus spp have been isolated from these lesions. 15,20 Partial blockage of the gastrointestinal tract by the pressure exerted by the diverticulum (as shown by the severe dilation of the lymphatic vessels of the serosa of adjacent intestinal sections) could be responsible for the turtle's poor body condition and buoyancy disorder. Abnormal buoyancy in sea turtles is not always due to lung disease but also due to the presence of gas and/or foreign bodies within the gastrointestinal tract.…”