Piret Metsamäe

1. Viruses in reptiles Summarized by Piret Metsamäe 2011

3. Published in: Veterinary Research 2011, 42:100

5. The focus points in the studies into reptile viruses have changed over time.

6. During the last decade, there has been more emphasis put on the issue of reptiles, specially crocodiles and alligators.

8. The importance of reptiles is increasing as well as the need for research into their diseases.

9. With the current trend and affordable sequencing costs, researchers will keep looking for and finding viruses in reptiles at a great rate.

11. To bring focus on the issue of reptile viruses.

13. Histopathology can give the initial indication of a viral infection and most infections are described alongside the pathological changes they induce.

14. Electron microscopy used to be the ultimate diagnostic tool for viruses, but polymerase chain reaction has revolutionized our ability to identify infectious agents.

16. Lesions in the lungs and occasionally in the brain.

19. Infections in reptiles can be accompanied by lethargy, neurological disorder, esophagitis, hepatitis, splenitis or gastroenteritis.

21. Identification by PCR.

24. Identified via electron microscopy.

26. Transmission may in some cases be via vectors such as arthropods or leeches, whereas others by direct contact presumably, but most transmission routes are unknown.

27. Due to the lack of commercial value, very little is known about reptilian viruses.

29. Pictures:

30. http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/reptile

31. http://www.public-domain-image.com/animals/reptiles/snake/slides/snake-reptile.html

32. http://www.zastavki.com/eng/Animals/Reptiles/wallpaper-19497.htm l

33. http://www.africa-nature-photography.com/nile-crocodile-2.html

34. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Two_american_alligators.jpg

35. http://madaerah.org/

36. Thank you for your attention!