Immunological evaluation of captive green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) with ulcerative dermatitis

J Zoo Wildl Med. 2013 Dec;44(4):837-44. doi: 10.1638/2010-0228R4.1.

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Dermatitis / immunology
  • Dermatitis / veterinary*
  • Skin Ulcer / immunology
  • Skin Ulcer / veterinary*
  • Turtles / immunology*