Subspectacular Nematodiasis Caused by a Novel Serpentirhabdias species in Ball Pythons (Python regius)

Publication date: Available online 7 February 2015 Source:Journal of Comparative Pathology Author(s): J.C. Hausmann , C. Mans , J. Dreyfus , D.R. Reavill , A. Lucio-Forster , D.D. Bowman Subspectacular nematodiasis was diagnosed in three captive-bred juvenile ball pythons (Python regius) from two unrelated facilities within a 6-month period. The snakes were presented with similar lesions, including swelling of facial, periocular and oral tissues. Bilaterally, the subspectacular spaces were distended and filled with an opaque fluid, which contained nematodes and eggs. Histopathology showed nematodes throughout the periocular tissue, subspectacular space and subcutaneous tissue of the head. The nematodes from both facilities were morphologically indistinguishable and most closely resembled Serpentirhabdias species. Morphological characterization and genetic sequencing indicate this is a previously undescribed rhabdiasid nematode.

Source: Journal of Comparative Pathology - February 13, 2015 Category: Pathology Source Type: research