Summary
Objective
Recent studies have described the detection and characterisation of new, snake specific
arenaviruses in boas and pythons with inclusion body disease (IBD). The objective
of this study was to detect arenaviral RNA in live snakes and to determine if these
were associated with IBD in all cases. Samples for arenavirus detection in live animals
were compared. Detected viruses were compared in order to understand their genetic
variability.
Materials and methods
Esophageal swabs and whole blood was collected from a total of 28 boas and pythons.
Samples were tested for arenaviral RNA by RT-PCR. Blood smears from all animals were
examined for the presence of inclusion bodies. Internal tissues from animals that
died or were euthanized during the study were examined for inclusions and via RT-PCR
for arenaviral RNA. All PCR products were sequenced and the genomic sequences phylogenetically
analysed.
Results
Nine live animals were found to be arenavirus-positive. Two additional snakes tested
positive following necropsy. Five new arenaviruses were detected and identified. The
detected viruses were named “Boa Arenavirus Deutschland (Boa Av DE) numbers 1–4” and
one virus detected in a python (Morelia viridis) was named “Python Av DE1”. Results from sequence analyses revealed considerable
similarities to a portion of the glycoprotein genes of recently identified boid snake
arenaviruses.
Conclusions
Both oral swabs and whole blood can be used for the detection of arenaviruses in snakes.
In most cases, but not in all, the presence of arenaviral RNA correlated with the
presence of inclusions in the tissues of infected animals. There was evidence that
some animals may be able to clear arenavirus infection without development of IBD.
This is the first detection of arenaviruses in live snakes.
Clinical relevance
The detection of arenaviruses in live snakes is of importance for both disease detection
and prevention and for use in quarantine situations. The findings in this study support
the theory that arenaviruses are the cause of IBD, but indicate that in some cases
it may be possible for animals to clear arenavirus infections without developing IBD.
Keywords
Boa constrictor
- Filovirus - Golden Gate Virus - inclusion body disease (IBD) -
Morelia viridis
- RT-PCR
