Identification of Hemotropic Mycoplasmas in an Eastern Box Turtle ( Terrapene carolina carolina) and a Yellow-bellied Slider ( Trachemys scripta scripta) from North Carolina, USA.

Abstract

Mycoplasma spp. are known from several chelonian and other reptilian species. We determined if turtles obtained by the Turtle Rescue Team at North Carolina State University are carriers of hemotropic Mycoplasma or Bartonella spp. Spleen samples were collected at necropsy during May through July, 2014 from 53 turtles of seven species. All turtles were dead or were euthanized upon arrival due to severe traumatic injuries, or they died shortly after beginning treatment. We used PCR amplification for both bacterial genera; Bartonella spp. DNA was not amplified. Based upon sequencing of the 16S rRNA subunit, one eastern box turtle ( Terrapene carolina carolina) and one yellow-bellied slider ( Trachemys scripta scripta) were infected with Mycoplasma spp. that have genetic similarities to strains that infect other animals.