Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Skin infection with Devriesea and Chrysosporium in a bearded dragon
By Schmidt-Ukaj, Silvana et al.·Published in Veterinary dermatology·2014·Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Infection with Devriesea agamarum and Chrysosporium guarroi in an inland bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps).
- Species:
- reptile
Plain-English summary
A 4-year-old male inland bearded dragon was brought to the vet because he had chronic skin lesions and was having trouble shedding his skin. Tests showed he had a skin infection caused by bacteria and fungi. The vet treated him with a combination of antibiotics and anti-fungal medication, which initially helped, but three months later, the infection returned, and he was found to have a more severe fungal infection. Unfortunately, the bearded dragon was euthanized due to the severity of his condition.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Description of clinical, microbiological and histopathological findings in a case of deep dermatitis in an inland bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) caused by Devriesea agamarum and Chrysosporium guarroi. CASE REPORT: A 4-year-old male inland bearded dragon, weighing 497 g, was presented at the clinic because the animal was suffering from dysecdysis and chronic skin lesions. Large numbers of bacilli, cocci and hyphal elements were diagnosed during the microscopic examination of the wound exudate. Microbiological analysis of a skin specimen revealed a moderate growth of Enterococcus sp. and D. agamarum. The condition of the bearded dragon improved with combined therapy consisting of ceftiofur hydrochloride, voriconazole and meloxicam. However, 3 months later recrudescence was observed. This time, Clostridium sp. and Chrysosporium sp. were isolated in large numbers. The bearded dragon was euthanized. Histopathology confirmed a severe granulomatous dermatitis with associated fungal hyphae and a severe granulomatous hepatitis with intralesional hyphae. Chrysosporium guarroi was identified by PCR and sequencing in two organs (skin and liver). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: This is the first case of an infection with D. agamarum and C. guarroi in an inland bearded dragon (P. vitticeps). It emphasizes the importance of mycological cultures and specific treatment. Samples of suspected Chrysosporium sp. should be cultured at 30°C for 10-14 days. Early antifungal treatment is necessary to prevent systemic and potentially fatal infection with C. guarroi.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24963553/