Newly recognized Anaplasma sp. in erythrocytes from Gopher Tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus).

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

In 2015, a previously unrecognized intracytoplasmic erythrocytic inclusion was discovered in anemic wild-caught adult gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus). Subsequently, molecular diagnostics revealed this inclusion to be a novel Anaplasma sp.

OBJECTIVES:

The goal of this study was to morphologically characterize these erythrocytic inclusions by light and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

METHODS:

Blood samples were taken from two car-injured wild-caught gopher tortoises for the preparation of Wright-Giemsa stained smears and TEM specimens. CBC data were serially performed and morphologically examined during treatment periods.

RESULTS:

Studies revealed a moderate to severe anemia with moderate regeneration as indicated by polychromasia and the presence of immature erythroid precursors. In addition, on light microscopy, one to two variably-sized round basophilic stippled paracentral erythrocytic inclusions were present per cell in both animals and involved 10%-25% of erythrocytes. TEM identified the intraerythrocytic inclusions as discrete membrane-bound cytoplasmic vacuoles (morulae) containing membrane-bound bacterial subunits that were of variable size, shape, and electron density. Serial hematologic data indicated complete remission of the infection in response to a single long-term course of doxycycline.

CONCLUSIONS:

The presence of a regenerative anemia in gopher tortoises from Florida revealed a newly recognized bacterial species that has morphologic characteristics similar to members of the genus Anaplasma.

• Authors: Rose E Raskin, Francy L Crosby, Elliott R Jacobson
• Journal: Veterinary clinical pathology (Vet Clin Pathol) Vol. 49 Issue 1 Pg. 17-22 (Mar 2020) ISSN: 1939-165X [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 32060958 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
• Copyright: © 2020 American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology.

Chemical References

• Anti-Bacterial Agents
• Doxycycline

Topics

• Anaplasma (classification, isolation & purification)
• Anaplasmosis (diagnostic imaging, drug therapy, microbiology, pathology)
• Anemia (diagnostic imaging, microbiology, pathology, veterinary)
• Animals
• Anti-Bacterial Agents (therapeutic use)
• Doxycycline (therapeutic use)
• Erythrocyte Inclusions (pathology)
• Erythrocytes (microbiology, pathology)
• Male
• Microscopy, Electron, Transmission (veterinary)
• Turtles (blood, microbiology)