Conjunctival Cryptosporidium avium infection in a captive inland bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps)

摘要: Abstract Background: A rescued, captive, adult, male, inland bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) was presented with chronic swelling of the right upper and lower eyelids, intermittent blepharospasm. Case description: Histopathology revealed a proliferative conjunctivitis, including inflammation nictitating membrane, along mixed, chronic, inflammatory response. Located on epithelial surface, were numerous, surface oriented apicomplexan organisms, histologically compatible Cryptosporidium sp. Molecular characterisation these organisms to be most closely related C. avium based amplification sequencing 18S rRNA gene. Conclusions case relevance: This report describes diagnosis spontaneous conjunctivitis involving in reptile; has not been implicated previously extra-enteric disease non-avian species. Infection by only once reported lizards this study provides further evidence that its host range may broader than anticipated. Cryptosporidiosis should considered as differential for refractory lizards.