Microsporidiosis in Four Tortoises (Testudo hermanni boettgeri)

Abstract

Microsporidia are obligate intracellular, spore-forming fungi. A wide range of vertebrate and invertebrate hosts can be infected; however, cases of infected turtles or tortoises have not yet been described. This is the first description of 4 cases in tortoises (Testudo spp), which showed general signs of illness as well as intestinal and respiratory signs until death occurred or they were euthanized. Granulomatous and necrotizing inflammation was visible in the lung and liver. Fungal organisms were present in heart blood, lung, liver, and intestine. Because of their morphology, staining properties (eg, positive in periodic acid–Schiff and silver reaction), and electron microscopic appearance, they were classified as microsporidia.