title: Aural abscesses in wild-caught box turtles (Terapene carolina): possible role of organochlorine-induced hypovitaminosis A.
abstract: Wild-caught box turtles (Terapene carolina carolina) with aural abscesses were observed over a period of several years. Histopathologic evaluation of epithelial tissues (conjunctiva, pharynx, trachea, auditory tube) revealed mucosal hyperplasia and squamous metaplasia, and accumulated keratin-like material in the middle ear cavity. These manifestations suggested the possibility of vitamin A deficiency. A nonsignificant trend toward reduced serum and hepatic vitamin A levels was observed in turtles with abscesses (mean serum and hepatic vitamin A levels 71 and 49% of respective levels in turtles without abscesses). Three organochlorine (OC) compounds (alpha-benzene hexachloride, heptachlor epoxide, and oxychlordane) and total (microg/g) OC compounds were significantly higher in turtles with abscesses compared with turtles without abscesses. No OC compounds were higher in turtles without abscesses compared with turtles with abscesses. These data suggest a possible effect of environmental chemicals on metabolism or utilization of vitamin A in wild box turtles, resulting in hypovitaminosis A.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Phase II, Southgate Drive, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061-0442, USA. holladay@vt.edu
authors.forename: S D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Holladay
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Wolf
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: D E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Robertson
mesh_terms: D000038:Abscess / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D000818:Animals; D000835:Animals, Wild; D004432:Ear, Middle / Q000473:pathology*; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006843:Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated; D007306:Insecticides / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014426:Turtles / Q000502:physiology*; D014802:Vitamin A Deficiency / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000662:veterinary*
chemical_list: D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D006843:Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated; D007306:Insecticides