Abstract
The tegu (Salvator merianae) is the largest lizard found in Brazil and has a wide distribution, occurring in several biomes. The presence of fungi on reptilian eggs initially occurs on infertile eggs, which leads to a subsequent infection in fertile eggs, causing damage and death of embryos. The objective of this study was to identify the fungi that caused lesions in the eggs of tegu in captivity. Swabs were collected on infected and healthy eggshells, in an embryo that died and the substrate of the incubation box. Samples were submitted to saboraund dextrose agar. A total of 93.3% of positive samples were obtained for the fungi Fusarium (11/14), Trichoderma (1/15), Penicilium (1/15), Mucor (1/15), and yeasts of the genus Trichosporon. Therefore, Fusarium was the main agent that caused the lesion and death of embryos in the eggs of the tegu lizard. Sanitary control methods may be taken to avoid fungal infections in the eggs.
Highlights
The tegu Salvator merianae (Duméril & Bilbron, 1839) (Squamata; Teiidae), is the largest lizard of the Teiidae family, and presents an annual and oviparous reproduction
The other healthy eggshell sample was negative for fungal growth
According to Phillott and Parmenter (2001), eggs of sea turtles are affected by microorganisms found in soil, such as Fusarium solani
Summary
The tegu Salvator merianae (Duméril & Bilbron, 1839) (Squamata; Teiidae), is the largest lizard of the Teiidae family, and presents an annual and oviparous reproduction. Infertile or nonviable eggs can compromise reproduction by promoting fungi colonization of fertile eggs (Moreira and Barata, 2005). Moreira and Barata (2005) reported in artificial incubation the presence of the fungus Fusarium sp. Gliocladium sp., initially colonizing infertile eggs, and later spreading to fertile eggs, contributing to embryos death. Assuming that fungi are components of microbiota of reptiles hosts, and that eggs have a predisposition to infections from opportunistic environmental fungi, this study aimed to isolate and identify fungal agents that affects tegu lizard eggs, during artificial incubation in a commercial captivity
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