Granulomatous myositis associated with a novel alveolate pathogen in an adult southern leopard frog (Lithobates sphenocephalus).

摘要: Since 1999, infections with an incompletely characterized alveolate protozoan variously reported as a Dermocystidium-like organism, Perkinsus-like agent, and Dermomycoides sp. have been associated mortality events in tadpoles of ranid frogs from the USA. However, disease or due to this organism not described post-metamorphic animals. We describe infection morphologically similar presenting itself leg mass free-ranging adult southern leopard frog Lithobates sphenocephalus. Using histological examination, we found within skeletal muscle; was composed macrophages intracytoplasmic, thick-walled, 4 6 µm diameter, spherical basophilic protozoal organisms that exhibited green autofluorescence epiflorescence illumination. transmission electron microscopy, cell walls were electron-dense plates that, when viewed by scanning reminiscent thecal dinoflagellates. Additional morphologic molecular phylogenetic research is needed resolve taxonomic status organism.