Immunological evaluation of captive green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) with ulcerative dermatitis
December 1, 2013
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.
Citation Information
Publication Year | 2013 |
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Title | Immunological evaluation of captive green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) with ulcerative dermatitis |
DOI | 10.1638/2010-0228R4.1 |
Authors | Fernando Alberto Muñoz, Sergio Estrada-Parra, Andrés Romero-Rojas, Erik Gonzalez-Ballesteros, Thierry M. Work, Hector Villaseñor-Gaona, Iris Estrada-Garcia |
Publication Type | Article |
Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
Series Title | Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine |
Index ID | 70068871 |
Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |
USGS Organization | National Wildlife Health Center |