Disseminated mycotic infection caused by Colletotrichum acutatum in a Kemp's ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys kempi).
Colletotrichum acutatum is a cosmopolitan plant pathogen with a wide host range. While the organism's phytopathogenic potential has been well documented, it has never been reported as an etiologic agent of disease in either animals or humans. In this case, a juvenile Kemp's ridley sea turtle, Lepidochelys kempi, probably with immune compromise following cold stunning (extended hypothermia), developed a disseminated mycotic infection in the lungs and kidneys. Prophylactic treatment with oral itraconazole did not prevent or cure the infection. This report of a Colletotrichum acutatum infection in an animal extends the range of disease caused by this organism beyond that of a phytopathogen.
Manire
Charles A
CA
Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital, Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, Sarasota, Florida 34236, USA. cmanire@mote.org
Rhinehart
Howard L
HL
Sutton
Deanna A
DA
Thompson
Elizabeth H
EH
Rinaldi
Michael G
MG
Buck
John D
JD
Jacobson
Elliott
E
D000818:Animals; D020231:Colletotrichum / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D007035:Hypothermia / Q000150:complications / Q000662:veterinary*; D009181:Mycoses / Q000382:microbiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D010935:Plant Diseases / Q000382:microbiology; D014426:Turtles