Intraerythrocytic rickettsial inclusions in endangered Kaiser’s mountain newt, Neurergus Kaiseri (Caudata: Salamandridae)

Abstract

Pathogens of different kinds may infect amphibians at various stages of their life and can be the immediate causes of their mortality. Salamanders are hosts to a variety of parasites, including intracellular bacteria in the order Rickettsiales. All bacteria in this order are obligate, intracellular (usually within erythrocytes) organisms that are transmitted by arthropod vectors. By examining stained blood smears of Neurergus kaiseri under a light microscope, we encountered single or multiple round, clear to faint purple with dark purple ring inclusions within the cytoplasm which were similar to intraerythrocytic rickettsial inclusion bodies. Reported here is a case of the rickettsial-like inclusions in N. kaiseri in a captive breeding facility for the first time in Iran.