Systemic Fusarium Infection in Two Snakes, Carpet Python, Morelia spilota variegata and a Red-Bellied Black Snake, Pseudechis porphyriacus
J Herpe Med Surg 10[2]:18-20 Summer'00 Case Report 13 Refs

Two snakes, a carpet python, Morelia spilota variegata and a red-bellied black snake, Pseudechis porphyriacus, developed ischemic necrosis of the tail that was associated with intravascular dissemination of a Fusarium sp. infection. Fungal infections have been reported from all groups of reptiles. However, the number of reports is far less than for mammals and birds. Fusarium spp., are common soil inhabitants and also common plant pathogens. Infections associated with this group of fungi have been described in a number of animal groups, generally aquatic species, usually causing a mycotic dermatitis. This is only the second report of systemic disease associated with the Fusarium genus in reptiles. Previous reports indicated that Fusarium is not a systemic pathogen, but invades damaged or devitalized skin. Neither of the two snakes in this report had a history of skin damage and they had not been kept on a soil substrate. However, Fusarium is an extremely hardy fungus, having been isolated from Arctic permafrost, Sahara sand, and aircraft fuel tanks. Due to its ubiquitous nature the fungus may have been introduced on implements, cage furniture, or prey items. However, as with most fungal pathogens, it is generally regarded as a secondary rather than a primary pathogen.