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11 June 2024 Presumptive Stenotrophomonas maltophilia–Associated Multisystemic Granulomatous Disease in Aquatic Turtles
Laura M. Martinelli, Amy Delmonaco, Michael M. Garner, Jennifer E. Flower
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Abstract

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is a gram-negative bacterium that can be routinely identified in the aquatic environment, and has become an emergent, multi-drug-resistant life-threatening organism in some circumstances. This bacterium was identified as a presumptive causative agent in cases of polysystemic granulomatous disease in one diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) and one mata mata (Chelus fimbriata). Both chelonians presented with lethargy, hyporexia, and multifocal subcutaneous masses diagnosed by physical examination and in one individual on computed tomography (CT). The primary hematologic finding was moderate to severe heterophilic leukocytosis, and both turtles were treated with a combination of supportive care, systemic antibiotics, and/or surgical resection of subcutaneous masses. Medical and surgical management were unsuccessful, and one patient was euthanized and the other found deceased. Necropsies revealed multisystemic granulomas, and cultures identified growth of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. A postmortem investigation into possible risk factors identified comorbidities including shell disease, repeated administration of injectable antibiotics, low environmental temperature, and aquatic pH changes as possible contributing factors. This bacterium appears to be an emerging organism of concern and should be considered as a potential cause of granulomas in aquatic chelonians.

Laura M. Martinelli, Amy Delmonaco, Michael M. Garner, and Jennifer E. Flower "Presumptive Stenotrophomonas maltophilia–Associated Multisystemic Granulomatous Disease in Aquatic Turtles," Journal of Herpetological Medicine and Surgery 34(2), 98-103, (11 June 2024). https://doi.org/10.5818/JHMS-D-22-00003
Published: 11 June 2024
JOURNAL ARTICLE
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KEYWORDS
aquatic
Chelus fimbriata
granuloma
Malaclemys terrapin
multisystemic
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
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