Mycoplasma testudineum in free-ranging desert tortoises, Gopherus agassizii
Journal of Wildlife Diseases
Links
- More information: Publisher Index Page (via DOI)
- Open Access Version: Publisher Index Page
- Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core
Abstract
We performed clinico-pathological evaluations of 11 wild Agassiz's desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizii) from a translocation project in the central Mojave Desert, California, USA. Group 1 consisted of nine tortoises that were selected primarily due to serologic status, indicating exposure to Mycoplasma testudineum (seven) or both M. agassizii and M. testudineum (two), and secondarily due to clinical signs of upper respiratory tract disease (URTD). Group 2 consisted of two tortoises that were antibody-negative for Mycoplasma and had no clinical signs of URTD, but did have other signs of illness. Of the Group 1 tortoises, M. testudineum, but not M. agassizii, was amplified by polymerase chain reaction and DNA fingerprinted from two tortoises. Using light microscopy, mild to severe pathologic changes were observed in one or more histologic sections of either one or both nasal cavities of each tortoise in Group 1. Our findings support a causal relationship between M. testudineum and URTD in desert tortoises.
Suggested Citation
Jacobson, E., Berry, K.H., 2012, Mycoplasma testudineum in free-ranging desert tortoises, Gopherus agassizii: Journal of Wildlife Diseases, v. 48, no. 4, p. 1063-1068, https://doi.org/10.7589/2011-09-256.
Study Area
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Mycoplasma testudineum in free-ranging desert tortoises, Gopherus agassizii |
| Series title | Journal of Wildlife Diseases |
| DOI | 10.7589/2011-09-256 |
| Volume | 48 |
| Issue | 4 |
| Year Published | 2012 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Wildlife Disease Association |
| Contributing office(s) | Western Ecological Research Center |
| Description | 6 p. |
| Larger Work Type | Article |
| Larger Work Subtype | Journal Article |
| Larger Work Title | Journal of Wildlife Diseases |
| First page | 1063 |
| Last page | 1068 |
| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| Other Geospatial | Mojave Desert |