Title
An overview of reptile fungal pathogens in the genera Nannizziopsis, Paranannizziopsis, and Ophidiomyces
Author(s)
Paré, Jean A.;Sigler, Lynne
Published
2016
Publisher
Journal of Herpetological Medicine and Surgery
Abstract
Two recent molecular analyses of morphologically similar fungal isolates formerly grouped under the appellation "Chrysosporium anamorph of Nannizziopsis vriesii (CANV) complex" led to major taxonomic revisions and revealed new insights into the biology of these reptile pathogens. All CANV-complex isolates differed from N. vriesii and were assigned to 16 species, either within Nannizziopsis or within the new genera Paranannizziopsis and Ophidiomyces, and 14 of these species were newly described. From these revisions, a trend in host specificity clearly emerged that was not previously apparent. Nannizziopsis now includes nine species associated with chameleons and geckos, cordylid, teiid, agamid and iguanid lizards, crocodiles, and human hosts. Paranannizziopsis includes four species infecting squamates and tuataras. Ophidiomyces, with the single species Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola (formerly Chrysosporium ophiodiicola), is only associated with terrestrial or semi-aquatic snakes. Nannizziopsi guarroi (formerly Chrysosporium guarroi) is the main causal agent of yellow fungus disease (YFD) in captive bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) and O. ophiodiicola causes snake fungal disease (SFD) in captive and wild snakes, an emergent global threat to populations of endangered wild snakes. Histopathology, PCR assays, and culture are crucial in confirming a diagnosis of fungal infection in reptiles. Since identification of these fungal species based on morphological and physiologic features alone is difficult, sequencing should be sought for speciation whenever dealing with reptile fungal isolates. Information gathered from PCR assays and molecular speciation will help in outlining pathogenic potential and contagion risks associated with each of these newly recognized fungal species and allow for a more comprehensive understanding of the ecology, distribution, and host range of these pathogens.
Keywords
Chrysosporium anamorph of Nannizziopsis vriesii;Paranannizziopsis;Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola;mycosis, reptiles
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PUB22815