The natural history, ecology, and epidemiology of Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola and its potential impact on free-ranging snake populations

Allender, Matthew C.; Raudabaugh, Daniel B.; Gleason, Frank H.; Miller, Andrew N.

doi:10.1016/j.funeco.2015.05.003

Cited by 106 publications

(126 citation statements)

References 28 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

124

Contrasting

Unclassified

Order By: Relevance

“…Owing to its association with skin lesions and taxonomic relatedness to other suspected fungal pathogens, O. ophiodiicola has been given 'honorary primary pathogen' status in some literature [8,11]. However, such circumstantial evidence did not preclude that O. ophiodiicola was part of the normal skin flora of snakes, acting merely as a secondary pathogen.…”

Section: Causative Agentmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The 2006 outbreak of severe dermatitis (now thought to have been SFD) in a timber rattlesnake population in the northeastern USA was associated with extremely wet conditions [5]. Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola is thought to be able to survive in the environment without a host [11], and moist conditions could play an important role in disease by promoting fungal growth and persistence in the environment. In addition, precipitation and cloud cover could negatively impact host thermoregulation mechanisms for fighting infection.…”

Section: Cause Of Emergencementioning

confidence: 99%

“…In addition, precipitation and cloud cover could negatively impact host thermoregulation mechanisms for fighting infection. Hibernation appears to be important in SFD, and slight temperature increases during the hibernation season (resulting from climate change) may allow O. ophiodiicola to grow at a faster rate [11] and establish more severe infections. However, elucidating the role of climate in SFD dynamics is challenging.…”

Section: Cause Of Emergencementioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Snake fungal disease: an emerging threat to wild snakes

Lorch

Knowles

Lankton

et al. 2016

Phil. Trans. R. Soc. B

196

241

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Since 2006, there has been a marked increase in the number of reports of severe and often fatal fungal skin infections in wild snakes in the eastern USA. The emerging condition, referred to as snake fungal disease (SFD), was initially documented in rattlesnakes, where the infections were believed to pose a risk to the viability of affected populations. The disease is caused by Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola , a fungus recently split from a complex of fungi long referred to as the Chrysosporium anamorph of Nannizziopsis vriesii (CANV). Here we review the current state of knowledge about O. ophiodiicola and SFD. In addition, we provide original findings which demonstrate that O. ophiodiicola is widely distributed in eastern North America, has a broad host range, is the predominant cause of fungal skin infections in wild snakes and often causes mild infections in snakes emerging from hibernation. This new information, together with what is already available in the scientific literature, advances our knowledge of the cause, pathogenesis and ecology of SFD. However, additional research is necessary to elucidate the factors driving the emergence of this disease and develop strategies to mitigate its impacts. This article is part of the themed issue ‘Tackling emerging fungal threats to animal health, food security and ecosystem resilience’.

show abstract

Section: Causative Agentmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Cause Of Emergencementioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Cause Of Emergencementioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Snake fungal disease: an emerging threat to wild snakes

Lorch

Knowles

Lankton

et al. 2016

Phil. Trans. R. Soc. B

196

241

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…3 The genus Ophidiomyces contains one species and is classified in the order Onygenales (Ascomycota) in the family Onygenaceae. 6 Previous reports of SFD originally identified the causative agent as Chrysosporium ophiodiicola, 4,5 but the organism has been recently reclassified as O. ophiodiicola.…”

Section: Brief Communicationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…At this time, the mechanisms of transmission and infection are unknown. 3 In addition, recommendations for treatment and disinfection are lacking, making spread of the disease through a collection a serious concern.…”

Section: Brief Communicationmentioning

confidence: 99%

DISSEMINATEDOPHIDIOMYCES OPHIODIICOLAINFECTION IN A CAPTIVE EASTERN MASSASAUGA (SISTRURUS CATENATUS CATENATUS)

Robertson

Chinnadurai

Woodburn

et al. 2016

Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

An adult, captive-born eastern massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus) was examined for a subcutaneous abscess and fistula cranial to the vent. The wound improved initially with lavage and systemic antibiotic therapy, but multiple, scattered, small subcutaneous nodules later developed over the ventrum and lateral aspects of the body. Examination of fine needle aspirates from these nodules revealed granulomatous inflammation and fungal elements morphologically consistent with Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola. The animal died before antifungal therapy could be implemented. At necropsy, fungal granulomas were also present in the kidneys, liver, lung, air sac, ovary, and spleen. This case report describes an atypical presentation of systemic ophidiomycosis in a captive-born snake.

show abstract

Corn Snakes

Kubiak¹

2020

Handbook of Exotic Pet Medicine

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The natural history, ecology, and epidemiology of Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola and its potential impact on free-ranging snake populations

Cited by 106 publications

References 28 publications

Snake fungal disease: an emerging threat to wild snakes

Snake fungal disease: an emerging threat to wild snakes

DISSEMINATEDOPHIDIOMYCES OPHIODIICOLAINFECTION IN A CAPTIVE EASTERN MASSASAUGA (SISTRURUS CATENATUS CATENATUS)

Corn Snakes

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About