Entamoeba sp. infection in a bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps)

Abstract

A 3-year-old, male intact, pet inland bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) presented with a history of diarrhea, progressive inappetence and weight loss. A palpable cranial celomic mass was identified on physical examination and confirmed to be hepatic in origin by celomic ultrasonography. Hematologic and biochemical abnormalities were mild and consistent with inflammation, regenerative anemia, and hepatocellular injury. Fine needle aspiration of the liver masses was suggestive of amoebiasis and the patient was humanely euthanized. PCR and Sanger DNA sequencing of liver aspirates were supportive of Entamoeba infection, although definitive speciation was not possible. Pathogenic amoebiasis due to infection by E. invadens has been reported in a wide range of reptiles and is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in these species.