Adenovirus-like Infection in a Savannah Monitor

Abstract

A recently imported savannah monitor, Varanus exanthematicus, was found dead in its cage without exhibiting premonitory signs of illness. At necropsy, the only gross lesion seen was hepatomegaly with pale areas scattered throughout the liver. Light microscopic evaluation of multiple tissues revealed the presence of basophilic intranuclear inclusions in hepatocytes and myocardial endothelial cells. Ultrastructural evaluation demonstrated inclusions to be composed of aggregates of viral particles. On the basis of size, conformation, and location the particles most closely resembled those of adenoviruses. Adenoviral infections have been reported from a wide variety of higher vertebrates including primates, dogs, mice, chickens, turkeys, pheasants.241113 The respiratory and gastrointestinal systems are most commonly affected.112 Adenoviral infections have also been identified in a Nile crocodile, Crocodilus niloticus,6 four-lined rat snake, Elaphe quatuorlineata,5 boa constrictor, Constrictor constrictor,5 aesculapian snake, Elaphe longissima,5 gaboon viper, Bitis gabonica,5 and a bearded dragon, Amphibolurus barbatus.10 In the present case report adenovirus-like associated hepatic necrosis is described in a savannah monitor maintained in a collection of reptiles at a zoological park.