Immunological evaluation of captive green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) with ulcerative dermatitis

Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine
By: , and 

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Abstract

Ulcerative dermatitis (UD) is common in captive sea turtles and manifests as skin erosions and ulcers associated with gram-negative bacteria. This study compared clinically healthy and UD-affected captive turtles by evaluating hematology, histopathology, immunoglobulin levels, and delayed-type hypersensitivity assay. Turtles with UD had significantly lower weight, reduced delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) responses, and higher heterophil:lymphocyte ratios. This study is the first to assay DTH in green turtles (Chelonia mydas) and suggests that UD is associated with immunosuppression.
Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Immunological evaluation of captive green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) with ulcerative dermatitis
Series title Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine
DOI 10.1638/2010-0228R4.1
Volume 44
Issue 4
Year Published 2013
Language English
Publisher American Association of Zoo Veterinarians
Contributing office(s) National Wildlife Health Center
Description 8 p.
First page 837
Last page 844
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