Aeromonas hydrophila-associated skin lesions and septicaemia in a Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus)

Aeromonas hydrophila is one of the most common bacteria associated with the aquatic environment. There are, however, limited data on A. hydrophila infection in crocodilians. The aim of this report is to describe a case of skin lesions and septicaemia associated with A. hydrophila in a Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus). A captive male crocodile in the Zoological Park of Antalya (Turkey) was found dead without showing signs of any disease. Gross examination showed brown or red-spotted skin lesions of varying size. These lesions were mostly scattered over the abdomen and occasionally on the tail and feet. At necropsy, numerous white, multifocal and randomly distributed areas were seen on the liver. Gram-stained smears from skin and liver lesions showed Gram-negative bacilli arranged in clusters. Pure cultures of A. hydrophila were recovered from skin, internal organs and blood. Isolates were found to be susceptible to ceftiofur, amoxicillin + clavulanic acid, oxytetracycline, enrofloxacin, danofloxacin, neomycin, gentamicin, and lincomycin + neomycin. A pathogenicity test was performed using this isolate on 4 male 2-year-old New Zealand white rabbits. Local abscesses formed in 2 rabbits injected subcutaneously and the 2 that were injected intraperitoneally died as a result of septicaemia. In conclusion, this report has shown that A. hydrophila may cause skin lesions and even death due to septicaemia in crocodiles.     

Identification and partial sequencing of a crocodile poxvirus associated with deeply penetrating skin lesions in farmed Nile crocodiles, Crocodylus niloticus

When large numbers of crocodile skins were downgraded because of the presence of small pin prick-like holes, collapsed epidermal cysts were found deep in the dermis of juvenile crocodiles while forming cysts were observed in hatchlings. Histopathology of these forming cysts showed the presence of intracytoplasmic inclusions in proliferating and ballooning epidermal cells. Pox virions were seen in electron microscope preparations made from the scabs of such early lesions. The partial sequencing of virus material from scrapings of these lesions and comparison of it with the published sequence of crocodile poxvirus showed the virus associated with the deep lesions to be closely related, but different. To differentiate between the two forms of crocodile pox infection it is suggested that the previously known form should be called "classical crocodile pox" and the newly discovered form "atypical crocodile pox". The application of strict hygiene measures brought about a decline in the percentage of downgraded skins.     

Isolation of Serratia fonticola from skin lesions in a Nile Crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) with an associated septicaemia

This paper describes the first isolation of Serratia fonticola in a Nile Crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus). This organism was initially isolated from skin lesions and blood and subsequently from a variety of organs during necropsy. S. fonticola was confirmed as the pathogen causing the infection.     

First evidence of Kunjin strain of West Nile virus associated with saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) skin lesions

Recently, the Kunjin strain of West Nile virus (WNV_KUN) has been detected using qRT‐PCR in belly skin lesions of farmed juvenile saltwater crocodiles. This follows an established association between similar lesions and West Nile virus in American alligators. The lesions present as cutaneous lymphohistiocytic aggregates in the dermal layers of both species. While these lesion do not create an obvious defect on the live crocodile, upon tanning the lesion area collapses and does not uptake the dye evenly, thus reducing its aesthetic appeal. As a result, skins are being rejected jeopardising the economic viability of the Australian crocodile industry. Over 50 skin lesions have since been confirmed as WNV_KUN‐positive and preliminary evidence of lesion restructuring is presented. Horizontal transmission of WNV_KUN by mosquitoes is well‐established but other transmission routes, such as ingestion and cloacal shedding, need further evaluation. An infection trial is currently underway to ensure WNV_KUN is the causative agent of these skin lesions.     

Paraphimosis and amputation in a Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus).

A captive Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) developed recurrent episodes of paraphimosis over a 2-yr period, which eventually led to hemorrhage and obvious inflammation. Two months postsurgery, the crocodile remained clinically normal.     

泰国湾鳄嗜水气单胞菌感染

气单胞菌属 (Aeromonas)中嗜水气单胞菌 (Aeromonashy drophila)是两栖爬行动物中最常见的机会致病菌。嗜水气单胞菌在水体环境中广泛分布 ,能使水生动物、水禽发病。现在越来越多的报道表明 ,嗜水气单胞菌亦能感染东北虎、北极熊、猪、兔等哺乳动物及人类。嗜水气单胞菌引起泰国湾鳄发生感染 ,并造成大量死亡的病例报道并不多见。现将 1例由于饲养管理方式不当 ,治疗不及时造成一鳄鱼场暴发嗜水气单胞菌感染 ,并引起大面积死亡 ,死亡率高达 60 %以上的病例 ,详细报道如下。1　发病情况某鳄鱼养殖场自 2 0 0 2年 4月以来一直将一群体长 1 5…     

Mandibular nerve block in juvenile Nile crocodile: a cadaveric study

ObjectiveTo develop a technique for performing the mandibular nerve block in Nile crocodiles.Study designExperimental cadaveric study.AnimalsA total of 16 juvenile Nile crocodile heads.MethodsTo study the course of the mandibular nerve, one head was dissected. Computed tomography (CT) examination was performed in two heads to identify useful landmarks. Thereafter, a hypodermic needle was inserted through the external mandibular fenestra of 17 hemimandibles (13 heads), and a mixture of methylene blue and iohexol was injected. Injection volumes were 0.5 (n = 7) and 1.0 mL (n = 10) for hemimandibles < 15 and ≥ 15 cm long, respectively. Iohexol spread and nerve staining with methylene blue were assessed with CT and anatomical dissection, respectively. Data were analysed with one-sample t test or Mann–Whitney U test. Significance was set at p < 0.05.ResultsBoth anatomical dissection and imaging confirmed the external mandibular fenestra as a useful anatomical landmark for needle insertion. The CT images acquired after needle positioning confirmed that its tip was located on the medial bony mandibular surface formed by the fusion of the angular and coronoid bones in 100% cases. In all the hemimandibles, the rostrocaudal spread of contrast was > 23 mm. The length of the stained mandibular nerve in the temporal region and of the stained medial branch of the mandibular nerve, as well as the dorsoventral and mediolateral spread of iohexol, was greater in group 1.0 than in group 0.5 (p < 0.001). The caudal spread of iohexol was greater in group 1.0 than in group 0.5 (p = 0.01).Conclusions and clinical relevanceThe technique developed in this study is feasible. Both injection volumes resulted in staining of the mandibular nerve. The spread of contrast in the anatomical region of interest may result in successful sensory block.     

Status of the Nile crocodile population in Pongolapoort Dam after river impoundment

The major Nile crocodile Crocodylus niloticus populations in South Africa are threatened by pollution, habitat alteration/destruction, and poaching. This has highlighted the importance of other minor populations. The Phongola River Nile crocodile population was previously considered as unsubstantial. Consequently, we investigated the Nile crocodile population numbers and status and the effects of the impoundment of the Phongola River on this. In 2009–2010 we determined a minimum population number of 281 Nile crocodiles in Pongolapoort Dam using a combination of survey methods. The population structure was identified as having a minimum of 116 (41.3%) juveniles (<1.2 m total length), 31 (11.0%) subadults (1.2–2.5 m total length) and 134 (47.7%) adults (>2.5 m total length). At the commencement of the breeding season in August, crocodiles congregated at a major basking site where the main tributary entered the dam. Three major nesting areas were identified, two of which were located on the river inlet to the dam. We identified approximately 30 nesting females during the 2009/10 nesting season. Several nests were predated by the Nile monitor Varanus niloticus. There was a total recruitment failure of nests along the river inlet to the dam due to a flash flood of the Phongola River in January 2010. This preliminary study suggests that the Pongolapoort Dam Nile crocodile population has a relatively high potential reproductive output, although their annual successes may vary greatly because of loss of nesting sites as a result of water-level fluctuations and predation. It appears that the river impoundment has generally had a positive impact on this Nile crocodile population, although suitable nesting sites may become limited. Continued long-term monitoring of the Nile crocodile population in Pongolapoort Dam is required to determine if the impoundment continues to support a viable population.     

Aeromonas hydrophila-related septicemia in the Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus

From diseased wild and cultured Oreochromis niloticus in Lower Egypt, 17 Aeromonas hydrophila isolates were recovered. The mortality was between 10% and 70% in among cultured fish. The course of the disease ran in an acute manner. For cultured fish, the disease outbreaks were found mainly in winter and for the wild Nile fish, mortalities were observed in late spring and summer. Additionally wild fish were affected with ectoparasites. The LD50 values of the isolates ranged between 10(3) and 10(7). Isolates of high virulence were resistant to 1 hr boiling and to the bactericidal effect of fresh normal guinea pig serum. Moreover, they did not agglutinate in acriflavin. Only the virulent isolates could agglutinate tilapia erythrocytes. The above effects were reversed for avirulent isolates while moderately virulent isolates showed no consistency in their reactions. Tube agglutination test using O and WC antisera prepared against 6 isolates versus O and WC antigens of 17 isolates indicated an antigenic heterogenicity of different isolates. While some isolates were identical, 4 antigens out of 17 did not react with any of the sera.     

A preliminary disease survey in the wild Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) population in the Okavango Delta, Botswana

The objective of this study was to conduct a preliminary survey of diseases that might be present in the wild Nile crocodile population in the Okavango Delta, Botswana. Blood samples were collected from crocodiles ranging in size from 34.0 cm to 463.0 cm total length. Samples were examined for blood parasites and underwent a haematological analysis. Before release the crocodiles were examined for various clinical abnormalities. Of the 144 crocodiles examined, none were visibly sick or displayed any signs of disease. No antibodies to Mycoplasma crocodyli were detected. Hepatozoon pettiti was present in 55.3% of blood smears examined, but there was no significant difference in any of the haematological values between the infected and uninfected crocodiles, and a high prevalence of Hepatozoon infection is not uncommon in other species. Only 7.6% of the examined crocodiles were infested with leeches. Further research is required for several of the crocodilian diseases, in particular to elucidate the role of wild crocodilians as reservoirs of infection.     

Eustrongylides sp. (Nematoda: Dioctophymatoidea) from the stomach of a Nile crocodile, Crocodylus niloticus Laurenti, 1768, in Botswana

During a study conducted between 2003 and 2005 on the diet of Nile crocodiles in Botswana, two young adult nematodes, one male and one female, belonging to the genus Eustrongylides J?gerski?ld, 1909 were recovered from the stomach contents of one of these animals. The caudal bursa of the male is present and the ejaculatory duct could be identified, but the spicule could not be seen. The vulva of the female has opened and the anus is situated on a terminal protruberance. Measurements and drawings of these specimens are provided, together with some data on the occurrence and life-cycles of members of the genus Eustrongylides in crocodilians world-wide and in African hosts in particular. Piscivorous birds are the usual final hosts of these nematodes. It is probable that the specimens described herein had developed in a paratenic fish host, and that the latter had been eaten by the crocodile.     

Comparative analysis of hatching rates and clutch sizes of Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) eggs collected on- and off-farm in Zimbabwe

The Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) is a large aquatic reptile predominant in the tropics in Africa and Zimbabwe in particular. Clutch sizes and hatching rates of Nile crocodile eggs collected from the wild and on-farm in Lowveld, Highveld and Kariba regions of Zimbabwe were evaluated. A total of 274 egg records for the period 2000 to 2008 from 39 farms were collected from the Crocodile Farmers Association of Zimbabwe. The effect of source of eggs was analysed using the non-parametric one way analysis of variance procedure of SAS Version 9.1.3. Wilcoxon signed rank test for independent samples was used to compare the mean hatching rates and clutch sizes for eggs collected from the different sources by region. The degree of association between clutch sizes and the hatching rates by source and region was determined using the Spearman’s rank correlation test. Source of eggs had no effect (P > 0.05) on hatching rates in all the regions but significantly influenced (P < 0.05) clutch sizes in Lowveld and Kariba. In these regions, clutch sizes in the wild were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those on-farm. Correlation estimates between clutch size and hatching rates were weak and non-significant (P > 0.05) for the different sources of eggs in all regions. Full utilization of the wild resource would reduce challenges relating to shortage of captive breeders and high cost of rearing breeders and hence increase productivity.     

Bacteremia and septic arthritis in a West African dwarf crocodile

An anorectic, adult West African dwarf crocodile was examined because of bilateral hind limb paresis. Clinical findings included multiple skin wounds, osteomyelitis of the distal portions of the right radius and ulna, severe anemia, and Serratia marcescens bacteremia. The crocodile died after a blood transfusion. At necropsy, hemorrhage in the subarachnoid space, suppurative polyarthritis, and gastric ulceration were found. Serratia marcescens and Morganella morganii were isolated from multiple tissues and body fluids. It was concluded that the bilateral paresis was caused by severe septic arthritis secondary to bacteremia, and that the crocodile died from spinal injury caused by the blood transfusion into the supravertebral vein.     

Class 1 integrons in Aeromonas hydrophila isolates from farmed Nile tilapia (Oreochromis nilotica)

The aim of this study was to determine antimicrobial resistance of Aeromonas hydrophila isolated from farmed Nile Tilapia. A total of 50 A. hydrophila isolates from clinical cases were screened for the presence of class 1, 2 and 3 integrons and all the strains resistant to enrofloxacin and/or ciprofloxacin (n=19) examined for mutation in the quinolone resistance-determining regions (QRDRs) of gyrA and parC. The intI1 gene was detected in 23 A. hydrophila strains (46%) but no intl2 and intl3 were detected. Among these, 14 isolates (60.8%) carried gene cassettes inserted in variable regions i.e., partial aadA2, aadA2, dfrA1-orfC and dfrA12-aadA2, of which the most common gene cassette array was dfrA12-aadA2 (26.09%). Conjugal transfer of class 1 integrons with resistance gene array was detected. All the A. hydrophila strains resistant to enrofloxacin and/or ciprofloxacin possessed mutations in the QRDRs of gyrA and parC. Only a Ser-83-Ile substitution was identified in GyrA and only a Ser-80-Ile amino change was found in ParC. The data confirms that A. hydrophila from farm-raised Nile Telapia serve as a reservoir for antimicrobial resistance determinants.