Immunological evaluation of captive green sea turtle (chelonia mydas) with ulcerative dermatitis Article uri icon

abstract

  • Abstract: 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. © 2013 American Association of Zoo Veterinarians.

publication date

  • 2013-01-01