Listeria monocytogenes in an inland bearded dragon (pogona vitticeps)
2019
Matt, C.L. | Ramachandran, A. | Allison, R.W. | Wall, C.R. | Dieterly, A.M. | Brandão, J.
A 4-year-old, intact female, inland bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) presented with a 12- to 24-hour history of severe lethargy, anorexia, and obtundation. Hematology and serum biochemistry revealed a marked monocytosis and toxic left shift, and severe hyperphosphatemia with normocalcemia. Radiographs revealed a fluid-filled, distended coelom, and suspected pericardial effusion or cardiomegaly. An ultrasound-guided coelomocentesis was performed. Direct smears revealed histiocytic to heterophilic inflammation with intracellular and free proteinaceous globular material (yolk globules), and intrahistiocytic bacterial rods, consistent with a bacterial coelomitis. The patient died despite treatment. On necropsy, free fluid and fibrin in the coelom along with yellow, lamellated material, enlarged ovarian follicles with serosal fibrinous plaques, and pericardial effusion were detected. A subacute to chronic necrotizing and granulomatous to heterophilic myocarditis, oophoritis, and hepatitis were present on microscopic examination. Additionally, large numbers of Listeria monocytogenes were isolated on aerobic bacterial culture of affected ovarian tissue. Collectively, the results culminated in a diagnosis of septic Listeria monocytogenes infection. Listeriosis has rarely been reported in reptiles and has not been reported in reptiles in the North America. Information on treatment for listeriosis in other species and zoonotic concerns has been reviewed to provide assistance for management of future cases of reptilian listeriosis.
Show more [+] Less [-]AGROVOC Keywords
Bibliographic information
This bibliographic record has been provided by National Agricultural Library