Abstract

During an extensive study regarding the epidemiology of larval Eustrongylides infestation in a free-ranging endangered population of dice snakes (Natrix tessellata) from Histria, Romania, an adult female was euthanized to evaluate pathologic changes. Parasites appeared as nodules at various locations: in subcutaneous connective tissues, on the serosae of the intestines and liver. Histologic sections revealed nematode larvae surrounded by a capsule, forming a parasitic granuloma with 3 layers: macrophage layer, lymphocyte layer, and fibrous capsule. Differences between newly formed and mature granulomas consisted mainly in the eosinophilic infiltration. Other types of parasitic granulomas of reptiles are discussed in comparison with our findings.

Keywords

Dioctophymatoidea; granuloma; Natrix tessellata

Published in

Veterinary Pathology
2007, volume: 44, number: 1, pages: 103-105

Authors' information