title: Encephalitozoon hellem Infection in a Captive Juvenile Freshwater Crocodile (Crocodylus johnstoni).
abstract: Microsporidiosis is reported rarely in reptiles and has never been reported in any species of crocodilian. Microsporidiosis was diagnosed histologically in a juvenile captive freshwater crocodile (Crocodylus johnstoni) that was found suddenly dead in its enclosure. Ultrastructural and molecular testing revealed infection to be due to Encephalitozoon hellem. This is the first report of E. hellem infection in any species of reptile.
authors.affiliation: Australian Wildlife Health Centre, Healesville Sanctuary, Healesville, Victoria, Australia. Electronic address: fscheelings@zoo.org.au.
authors.forename: T F
authors.initials: TF
authors.lastname: Scheelings
authors.affiliation: Veterinary Science, University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: R F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Slocombe
authors.affiliation: Australian Animal Health Laboratory, CSIRO, Geelong, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Crameri
authors.affiliation: Animal Health Laboratories, Department of Agriculture and Food, South Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hair
mesh_terms: D000489:Alligators and Crocodiles / Q000382:microbiology*; D000818:Animals; D016819:Encephalitozoon; D016890:Encephalitozoonosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction
keywords: Crocodylus johnstoni; Encephalitozoon hellem; freshwater crocodile; microsporidia