| dc.description.abstract | Background: Mycoplasmosis in reptiles, which requires some predisposing
factors, was first confirmed in a tortoise showing clinical signs. In Hungary,
mycoplasmosis has been described in turtles, tortoises and also in a ball python
(Python regius). Mycoplasma infection is also known worldwide in other species,
such as green iguanas (Iguana iguana). Sometimes the animals are asymptomatic. Mycoplasmosis has already been described in a bearded dragon, in which
M. pogonae has been detected.
Objectives: To the authors’ knowledge mycoplasmosis has not yet been described in bearded dragons in Hungary. The authors were the first to investigate the
case and clarify its postmortem lesions.
Materials and Methods: The lizard presented to the clinic was returned home
after clinical examination and sampling, but it died the next night. Subsequently,
autopsy was performed, samples were taken for histopathological and bacteriological examinations. PCR testing was also performed to detect mycoplasma
infection.
Results and Discussion: Acute rhinitis, tracheitis with epithelial degeneration
and pneumonia accompanied by muco-serous fluid accumulation were found at
autopsy. During the PCR test, bacteria with 76% overlap on the 16S rRNA - 23S
rRNA intergenic spacer region of M. iguanae were isolated. In the presented case,
inadequate feed was identified as a predisposing factor in the properly housed,
bearded dragon. The case is considered to be the first case and description of
mycoplasmosis in Hungary in this lizard species. | en_US |
