Introduction

• Cause: many reptilian herpesviruses exist.
• Signs: stomatitis, rhinitis, proliferative skin lesions, glossitis, nasal discharge, ocular changes, caseous plaques on tongue, edema on the neck, anorexia, dyspnea, death.
• Diagnosis: PCR detection of viral DNA, post-mortem examination, serological testing.
• Treatment: address husbandry; supportive care; antibiotics for any secondary bacterial infection; acyclovir.
• Prognosis: varies depending on immune system of the animals and the herpesvirus present.

Pathogenesis

Etiology

• Many herpesviruses have co-evolved with the reptile host.
• Reptilian herpesviruses belong to the subfamily Alphaherpesvirinae.
• They are large enveloped, double-stranded DNA viruses ranging in size from 120-200 nm. They can cause latent infections. Development of clinical disease will depend on both viral and host factors.

Predisposing factors

General

• Immunosuppression.
• Underlying diseases.

Pathophysiology

• Herpesviruses cause proliferative mucocutaneous lesions.
• In some cases the mucocutaneous lesions may progress to neoplasia.
• In peracute disease, an inflammatory response may not be seen as the animal may die before this occurs.

Timecourse

• Viruses replicate in the host nucleus resulting in intranuclear inclusion bodies.
• Cause latent infections in their hosts; latent virus remains inactive in neuronal cells.
• Disease depends on both host and viral factors.

Diagnosis

Treatment

Prevention

Outcomes