Adenovirus and cryptosporidium co-infection in a corn snake (Elaphae guttata guttata).

Abstract

A 1-yr-old albino male corn snake (Elaphae guttata guttata), which was part of a large breeding stock, was presented to the University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine, Zoo and Exotic Animal Clinic with a history of anorexia for 2 wk and progressively declining body condition. The animal was euthanized due to a poor prognosis. Histopathology, electron microscopy, and polymerase chain reaction analysis on tissues revealed concurrent infection with adenovirus and Cryptosporidium. Primary infection with adenovirus could have caused immunodeficiency in the snake, thus predisposing it to secondary infection with Cryptosporidium. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of co-infection of adenovirus and Cryptosporidium in a Colubrid species of snake.