Parasites of snakes

Extract

[...] Parasites of snakes Summary: I-Introduction II- Endoparasites III- Ectoparasites IV- References Introduction : Reptiles and especially snakes have become a more and more common domestic pet. Several species of reptiles which are sold as pets are bred in captivity. However, most of them are taken from the wild or are the offspring of wild-caught parents. In the wild, reptiles are rarely in contact with their uneaten food or waste, which often occurs in captivity. The conditions in captivity enhance the risks of being infected by a parasite for the snakes. Consequently, parasites in captivates, constitute a serious problem for humans as well as other animals. [...]

[...] The mouthparts are separated from the body, which is called Gnathosoma. The eyes are reduced or missing but they have tactile and chemical sensors well developed. Life-cycle: Adult mites usually lives up to 40 days, the life cycle of this mite is approximately 30 days long and a female can lay 60 - 80 eggs in the dark and wet places. The major steps constitutes of egg, larva, nymph (protonymph and deutonymph) and adults. After hatching, the young mites go through a larval stage days) Then the larvae develops into protonymph stage ( 3 days - 2weeks) The protonymph walk around snake and feed on blood After blood meal, the deutonymph develops Final moulting results in adult stage with the adult that continue feeeding on the snake. [...]

[...] Oocysts are small oval, with 4 sporozoites a thick shell and have an affinity for stomach glands. Life-cycle : The life cycle of this species is monoxenous which means there is only one host so it's a direct life cycle. The three major phases are merogony, gametogony and sporogony. The transmission starts with the ingestion of oocysts, it is a fecal oral transmission route. The oocysts are really resistant because of their thick walled so they can survive for months in the environment. [...]

[...] Symptoms are the following: Localised irritation, difficult skin shedding, increased frequency of bathing, head rubbing and after a chronic exposure anorexia, lethargy, dehydration, anemia and death can appear. Diagnostic: To give a diagnosis, anamnesis of the animal must be collected and clinical findings must be observed. Adult mites can be observed in skin folds and around the eyes, mouth and cloaca. Identification of mites on a tape strip can be done to confirms the diagnosis Treatment & prevention : In order to treat the infestation, you can use antiparasitic sprays and treat the environment. [...]

[...] Endoparasites : Order Genera Protozoan Amoebas Entamoebida Entamoeba Sp :Entamoeba invadens Flagellates Trichomonadida Honigbergiellida Monocercomonas, Proteomonas, Tetratrichomonas, Hexamastix Coccidia Eucoccidiorida Eimeria, Isospora, Caryospora, Cryptosporidium (C.serpentis) Sarcocystis, Haemogregarina, Hepatozoon, Karyolysus Helminths Trematoda Ochetosoma Cestoda Protocephalidea Pseudophyllidea Cyclophillydea Ophiotaenia, Proteocephalus, Acanthotaenia Duthresia, Bothridium, Spirometra Nematotaenia, Oochoristica, Hymenolepis Nematoda Rhabditida Ascaridida Rhabdias, Entomelas, Strongyloides Ophidascaris, Plydelphis, Terranova, Hexametra, Capillaria Pentastomida Raillietella, Waddycephalus Cryptosporidium serpentis Scientific classification : Phylum : Alveolata Subphylum : Apicomplexa Class : Conoidastida Sub class : Coccidia Order : Eucoccidiorida Family : Cryptosporididae Genus : Cryptosporidium General information : This parasite is an obligatory intracellular parasite which has a low host specificity. It causes opportunistic infections carried by contaminated water and food. Cryptosporidium serpentis cannot infect humans or other mammals. [...]