Page 12 - Parasites in pet reptiles

Rataj et al. Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica 2011, 53:33 Page 10 of 20
http://www.actavetscand.com/content/53/1/33

Figure 5 Cryptosporidium sp. invasion in intestine of Corn Figure 7 Cyclospora sp. invasion in intestine of Platyceps
Snake (Elaphe guttata). karelini - oocysts.

Uromastyx dispar) were infestated with these ciliated different species. Trematoda can be also found in cha-
protozoans in 21.7%. Both forms, a bean shaped body meleons but were not established in our research [29].
with cilia and smaller ovoid cyst with thick membrane In Figures 14 and 15 invasion with ascarid adults is
and operculum were found. The size of found cysts was seen in Monitors at necropsy. Ascarid eggs were found
41 × 29 μm(Figure 12). Balantidium sp. was deter- in geckos (Leopard Gecko (Figure 16) and Tokay
mined in lizards (Green Iguana and Spiny-tailed Lizards) Gecko) in 46.8% and in one agama (Bearded Dragon).
in small percentage. Other authors [26,29] described Klingenberg [30] also reported finding roundworms in
Nyctotherus sp. and Balantidium sp. as commonly chameleons imported from Africa.
found in herbivorous lizards and also in turtles and Pentastomid eggs were found in Monitors (Yellow
snakes with transmission by ingestion of infective cysts. Monitor (100%), Bengal Monitor (12.5%)) and in Tokay
They are not considered as pathogens. Geckos (83.3%). In Tokay Geckos eggs and adults in
Trematoda eggs (Figure 13) were found in 9.4% in six lungs were confirmed (Figure 17). Klingenberg [31]
different species, mostly in Tokay Geckos in 83.3%. described Pentastomes also in Bearded Dragons. Para-
Digenea trematoda infections occur commonly, particu- sites found in our research belong to the genus Poroce-
larly in the mouth and oesophagus. Greiner and Schu- phalus, which can pose a potential zoonotic risk.
macher [26] described pulmonary and biliary trematoda. Transmissions of other species of Pentastomes from
In our case we did not distinguish between these many different reptiles to people are mentioned and
confirmed [12,21,32].

Figure 6 Cyclospora sp. invasion in intestine of Platyceps
karelini - pathoanatomical changes. Figure 8 Ophionyssus natricis in Red Tail Boa (Boa constrictor).