Journal of Veterinary Parasitology
SCOPUS
  • Year: 2018
  • Volume: 32
  • Issue: 2

First report of acanthocephalan infection in painted bronzeback tree snake (Dendrelaphis pictus)

1Department of Microbiology

2Education Staff of Mojokerto Reptile and Exotic Animals Community

PSDKU Banyuwangi, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Airlangga University, Banyuwangi, East Java, Surabaya-60115, Indonesia

*Corresponding author. Email: adityayudhana@fkh.unair.ac.id

Abstract

Acanthocephalan parasites, normally known as spiny-headed worms, were identified within skin nodules during necropsy in a wild painted bronzeback tree snake (Dendrelaphis pictus). Staining using carmine stain and examination under light microscope revealed the characteristics of acanthocephala. This is the first record of an acanthocephalan occurring in a painted bronzeback tree snake. The report indicates that this parasite may play a role in reptile disease and may even lead to death.

Keywords

Acanthocephala, Painted bronzeback tree snake, Dendrelaphis pictus, Nodule