Evidence: Reptile (reptile) clinical cases
Source: Europe PMC (Europe PubMed Central) REST search — first-hand peer-reviewed abstract records, pulled 2026-08-01. Queries covered clinical case reports and case series for reptile. The cluster returns 12 representative clinical cases with abstracts below. Abstract text is verbatim from source; each case is traceable by PMID.
Studies
- PMID 41623653 (2026, Access microbiology) — A cold-blooded culprit: Salmonella enterica subsp. arizonae pulmonary infection in an immunocompromised patient: a case report.. Abstract (opening): <b>Background.</b> <i>Salmonella enterica</i> subsp. <i>arizonae</i> is an uncommon zoonotic pathogen primarily associated with reptiles. While most infections are gastrointestinal, invasive infections such as bacteraemia, osteomyelitis, meningitis and septic arthritis have been reported, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Pulmonary infections are exceedingly rare. <b>Case presentation.</b> A 66-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis on a tumour necrosis factor-alpha inhibitor presented with a 2 week history of progressive cough and dyspnoea. She reported prolonged exposure to a pet snake. Sputum cultures confirmed <i>S. enterica</i> subsp. <i>arizonae</i>, with susceptibility to ciprofloxacin. Imaging revealed the right lower lobe infiltrate without cavitation. She was successfully treated with ciprofloxacin for 2 weeks, with resolution of symptoms. <b>Conclusion.</b> This case highlights an uncommon presentation of <i>Salmonella</i> infection in an immunocompromised patient with bronchiectasis. With increasing exotic pet ownership, clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for <i>Salmonella enterica</i> subsp. <i>arizonae</i> in patients with known reptile exposure.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41623653/
- PMID 42435881 (2026, Parasitology international) — First molecularly supported detection of Oochoristica sp. (Cestoda: Anoplocephalidae) in a Yucatán spiny-tailed iguana (Cachryx defensor) from Italy: A case report.. Abstract (opening): During a parasitological investigation conducted in Italy on domestic reptiles, a motile proglottid was macroscopically observed in a fecal sample from a Yucatán spiny-tailed iguana (Cachryx defensor). Subsequent analysis using the quali-quantitative flotation technique (Mini-FLOTAC®) revealed the presence of cestode eggs. DNA was extracted from the sample and amplified using conventional PCR. Sequence comparison with those available in GenBank showed the highest similarity (98%) with Oochoristica hemidactyli, supporting identification at the genus level (Oochoristica sp.). To our knowledge, this represents the first molecularly supported detection of Oochoristica sp. in a captive reptile in Italy, highlighting the importance of parasitological surveillance in domestic reptile populations and the potential role of exotic pets in the introduction and spread of parasites.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42435881/
- PMID 41749246 (2026, BMC veterinary research) — First report of an iridophoroma in a Tegu (Salvator merianae).. Abstract (opening): <h4>Background</h4>This case report describes the clinical and histological findings of a rare periocular iridophoroma in a tegu.<h4>Case presentation</h4>Iridophoroma is a rare type of chromatophoroma, a tumor that arises from iridophores, specialized pigment cells responsible for reflecting light. This case report describes a 6-year-old male Argentine black and white tegu (Salvator merianae) presented with a large, irregular, proliferative mass in the periocular region. The mass originated from the upper left eyelid, partially covering the ocular surface, and measured 2.5 cm in diameter. The patient was referred to the department of Surgery and Intensive care for mass removal and underwent two separate surgical resections. Fine needle aspiration from the structure revealed the diagnosis of iridophoroma, which was later confirmed through histology. This case aims to broaden current knowledge in reptile medicine by presenting an iridophoroma in Salvator merianae, highlighting its clinical presentation, cytological features, and histopathological aspects.<h4>Conclusions</h4>This case represents the first documented occurrence of an iridophoroma in a tegu, highlighting the need for increased awareness and precision in diagnosing tumors in reptiles. The findings demonsrate the importance of paraclinical investigations, such as histopathology, not only in confirming rare conditions but also in differentiating iridophoromas from other potential diagnoses, such as squamous cell carcinoma, papilloma, or melanophoroma. Accurate identification is crucial for guiding appropriate treatment and improving outcomes in reptile medicine.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41749246/
- PMID 42017649 (2026, Australian veterinary journal) — Cholangiocarcinoma in a central bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps): A case report.. Abstract (opening): Cholangiocarcinoma is an uncommon malignant epithelial tumour of the biliary tract in reptiles and is rarely reported in central bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps). This case report describes a 7-year-old male central bearded dragon in which a nonspecific coelomic opacity was incidentally detected during a routine clinical examination. Diagnostic imaging, including radiography and ultrasonography, identified a cystic lesion arising from the liver. Blood biochemistry revealed a mild elevation in alanine transaminase and borderline blood urea nitrogen, with no other significant abnormalities. Surgical excision of the mass was performed via a right lateral paracostal coeliotomy. Histopathological examination confirmed a diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma, supported by immunohistochemical positivity for pankeratin and absence of vimentin and α-smooth muscle actin expression. No evidence of metastatic disease was observed at surgery or during follow-up. The animal recovered uneventfully and remained clinically well with no evidence of recurrence 10 months postoperatively. This case highlights the importance of diagnostic imaging and histopathology in the evaluation of hepatic masses in reptiles and demonstrates that early surgical intervention can result in a favourable long-term outcome.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42017649/
- PMID 42188604 (2026, Toxins) — <i>Azemiops feae</i> (Fea's Viper) Envenoming: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.. Abstract (opening): <i>Azemiops feae</i> (Fea's viper) is a phylogenetically distinctive Asian viper with poorly defined medical significance, and human envenomations remain rarely reported in the English-language literature. We describe a new case of <i>A. feae</i> envenoming from Chongqing, China, and present a scoping review of published clinical case reports and case series to better characterize its epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and management. A 53-year-old male developed marked local pain and swelling following a bite to the hand, accompanied by transient neurotoxic symptoms, as well as mild hypofibrinogenemia. Treatment with a single vial of <i>Gloydius brevicaudus</i> monovalent antivenom was followed by clinical improvement and full recovery. Review of the literature identified nine previously published studies from China and one captive case from Europe. Envenoming typically occurred during agricultural activities, most commonly affected the lower extremities, and was characterized by prominent local effects with occasional mild neurotoxic features and inconsistent, generally mild coagulation abnormalities. Antivenom use was highly variable, involving multiple heterologous monovalent antivenoms, and outcomes were uniformly favourable regardless of antivenom administration. Collectively, available evidence indicates that <i>A. feae</i> envenoming is usually self-limited, with predominantly local effects and infrequent, mild systemic involvement. However, the absence of species-specific antivenom and the heterogeneity of current treatment practices highlight the need for systematic venom characterization and functional antivenom efficacy studies to inform evidence-based clinical management.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42188604/
- PMID 41745956 (2026, Veterinary sciences) — <i>Nannizziopsis pluriseptata</i>-Associated Skin Lesions in a Shingleback Skink (<i>Tiliqua rugosa</i>) and Spiny-Tailed Skinks (<i>Egernia depressa</i>) in Australia.. Abstract (opening): Both captive and free-living reptiles are susceptible to infection by fungi from the <i>Nannizziopsis</i> genus and are prone to developing severe lesions that can affect skin and deeper tissues, becoming multi-systemic. With Australia having close to 1000 reptile species-of which 93% are endemic-the prevalence, distribution and susceptibility of reptiles to this emerging fungal infection remain unknown. In this case series, captive skinks originating from the states of Queensland and Western Australia were presented to wildlife veterinarians with dermatitis. <i>Nannizziopsis pluriseptata</i> was identified via fungal isolation, PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and sequencing, confirming the first record of this pathogen in the country.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41745956/
- PMID 42376688 (2026, Veterinary medicine and science) — Severe Tick Infestation and Haemogregarina spp. Infection in a Captive African Rock Python (Python sebae): A Clinical and Parasitological Case from Nigeria.. Abstract (opening): Ectoparasitic infestations in reptiles-primarily ticks and mites-can significantly compromise their health and fitness, particularly in captivity conditions. This brief report describes a severe tick infestation and concurrent Haemogregarina spp. infection in an African rock python (Python sebae) at a private zoo in Abeokuta, Nigeria. Initial clinical evaluation revealed heavy infestations of Amblyomma latum ticks, pronounced facial swelling, incomplete shedding, anorexia, lethargy, and the presence of intraerythrocytic Haemogregarina-like gamonts on stained blood smears. Haematological analysis further showed mild haemoconcentration and elevated leukocyte differentials suggestive of an inflammatory response, potentially caused by a parasitic infection. The treatment protocol consisted of mechanical removal of ticks, oral administration of Ivermectin, and improved husbandry practices to prevent ectoparasite re-infestation. Post-treatment, the python showed a notable clinical improvement, evidenced by resumed feeding and normal shedding within five days. Microscopic examination of blood smears post-treatment confirmed the absence of Haemogregarina-like gamonts, indicating the effectiveness of the therapeutic approach. Overall, the present case report highlights the importance of parasitic surveillance, rapid intervention, and adherence to rigorous husbandry standards to ensure the health and welfare of reptiles in captivity.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42376688/
- PMID 42199939 (2026, Frontiers in veterinary science) — Case Report: Osteosarcoma following traumatic injury in a juvenile Argentine black and white tegu (<i>Salvator merianae</i>).. Abstract (opening): Osteosarcoma (OSA) is a malignant neoplasm of mesenchymal origin characterized by osteoid or immature bone production and is rarely reported in reptiles. A 3-month-old Argentine black and white tegu presented with a subcutaneous mass on the left flank, approximately 2 months after a dog bite. Physical and radiographic examination revealed no initial internal abnormalities, but follow-up examination revealed a rapidly enlarging soft tissue mass. Ultrasonography confirmed a well-encapsulated mass, while contrast-enhanced computed tomography demonstrated mineralization, rib osteolysis, and multiple bilateral nodules, indicating a malignant process. Histopathological examination of the excised mass demonstrated features consistent with giant cell-rich osteosarcoma, including irregular bony trabeculae, numerous multinucleated giant cells, and peripheral osteoid matrix. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges of OSA in reptiles, the value of integrating diagnostic imaging and histopathology, and the need for species-specific imaging protocols in ectothermic species, thereby expanding the literature on reptilian neoplasia.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42199939/
- PMID 41948532 (2026, Frontiers in veterinary science) — Case Report: Anesthesia for cloacal prolapse fixation surgery in an Argentine black and white tegu (<i>Salvator merianae</i>).. Abstract (opening): Cloacal prolapse is a common surgical condition in captive lizards and frequently requires general anesthesia. Anesthetic management in reptiles is challenging because of their ectothermic physiology, intermittent breathing patterns, and high sensitivity to anesthetic-induced respiratory depression. This report describes the anesthetic management of a juvenile Argentine black and white tegu (<i>Salvator merianae</i>) under surgical reduction of cloacal prolapse. Anesthesia was induced using a multimodal protocol including butorphanol, tiletamine-zolazepam, dexmedetomidine, and maintained with isoflurane. Marked respiratory depression occurred after induction, necessitating controlled mechanical ventilation throughout the procedure. Ventilatory support and active thermal management were applied to maintain physiologic stability. This case support the importance of mechanical ventilation, temperature control, and multimodal analgesia in anesthetic management of large lizard species.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41948532/
- PMID 42255719 (2026, International journal for parasitology. Parasites and wildlife) — First report on a <i>Raillietiella orientalis</i> and <i>Kalicephalus</i> sp. co-infection in a wild-caught red-tailed green rat snake (<i>Gonyosoma</i> <i>oxycephalum</i>).. Abstract (opening): Parasitic diseases are a major but frequently overlooked health concern in reptiles, with consequences that extend beyond individual health issues to broader ecological and conservation concerns. A male red-tailed green rat snake (<i>Gonyosoma oxycephalum</i>), imported from Indonesia, died in quarantine one month after purchase, lacking any signs of illness except for a brief period of anorexia. Following its death, the owner observed a vermicular parasite emerging from the snake's oral cavity, which prompted submission of the animal to necropsy. A high-grade infection with 40 specimens of the pentastomid <i>Raillietiella orientalis</i> was confirmed by morphological and DNA analyses (18s rRNA). Moreover, histological examinations revealed macroscopic and histological evidence of larval migration. This case represents the first documented infection in red-tailed green rat snakes and signifies one of few reports on <i>R. orientalis</i> for Europe. It illustrates the potential introduction of invasive parasites through the exotic pet trade in the absence of adequate pre-import health screening. While the risk of establishment in European ecosystems remains uncertain, such introductions may pose challenges for captive reptiles, zoological collections and the native fauna. In addition, co-infections may alter disease progression and contribute to the pathogenicity of pentastomid infections.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42255719/
- PMID 41568116 (2026, Journal of rural medicine : JRM) — Pediatric <i>Salmonella</i> Poona gastroenteritis with bacteremia linked to exposure to a pet turtle: a case report.. Abstract (opening): <h4>Objective</h4><i>Salmonella enterica</i> subsp. enterica serovar Poona (<i>S</i>. Poona) is a zoonotic pathogen commonly associated with reptiles, particularly turtles. We report a pediatric case of S. Poona bacteremia in which a pet turtle was microbiologically confirmed as the source of infection.<h4>Patients</h4>A 17-month-old Asian girl with fever and transient diarrhea was hospitalized. The patient had direct contact with the family's pet turtle shortly before symptom onset. The turtle's tank was routinely cleaned in the household kitchen sink.<h4>Results</h4>S. Poona was isolated from the patient's blood and stool, as well as from swabs taken from the turtle's limbs, shell, and feces. Macrorestriction analysis revealed that the isolates from the patient and the turtle shared identical genomic fragment patterns, indicating transmission through direct contact or environmental contamination. The patient made a full recovery following a 14-day course of intravenous cefotaxime and ampicillin.<h4>Conclusion</h4>To our knowledge, this is the first reported case in Japan of <i>S.</i> Poona infection with microbiological confirmation of the source animal. This case highlights the importance of strict hygiene practices when handling reptiles and cleaning their habitats, particularly in homes with young children or other vulnerable individuals.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41568116/
- PMID 42445928 (2026, Case reports in ophthalmology) — Annulated Surprise during Cataract Surgery: A Case Report.. Abstract (opening): <h4>Introduction</h4>We report a pediatric case in which a retrolenticular <i>Armillifer armillatus</i> infestation mimicked a white cataract.<h4>Case presentation</h4>A ten-year-old girl presented with a white cataract of her right eye during a humanitarian mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Fundoscopy was inaccessible. During surgery, an annulated worm-like parasite was found in the retrolenticular space. Further anamnesis was remarkable for regular snake and crocodile meat consumption, and a clinical diagnosis of ocular pentastomiasis was made. The parasite was morphologically and molecularly identified as <i>A. armillatus</i>. After surgery, fundoscopy showed diffuse retinal atrophy and the vision did unfortunately not improve. Human pentastomiasis is a rare, yet emerging zoonosis in rural tropical areas. Consumption of undercooked, infected snake (or rarely other reptile) meat may lead to visceral pentastomiasis, with uncommon ophthalmological involvement. Ocular pentastomiasis can be a devastating cause of vision loss in endemic regions.<h4>Conclusion</h4>This case illustrates that a retrolenticular location of the parasite was likely responsible for a white cataract in an otherwise quiet, white eye, highlighting intraocular pentastomiasis as a potentially underdiagnosed cause of vision loss in endemic regions.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42445928/
Source text: pdf-raw/evidence/europepmc_reptile_clinical_2026-08-01.txt (Europe PMC first-hand abstracts, pulled 2026-08-01).