Internal and External Parasitic Infections of Pet Reptiles in Italy

In captive reptiles, parasites may represent a serious health and management problem and may include zoonotic species. In the present study, prevalence of ecto and endoparasitic infections and associated main clinical signs were evaluated in pet reptiles living in Italy. To these aims, faecal samples collected from 120 captive reptiles of 27 different species, including 63 household pet and 57 pet store reptiles, were analysed macroscopically and microscopically for the isolation and identification of endoparasites. All animals, the terrariums and water containers were examined also for ectoparasite arthropods. Recovered arthropods were preserved in 80% ethanol and microscopically identified. Data were statistically analysed. Overall, about 72.5% of examined animals were found positive with prevalence rates of 45% and of 27.5% for endo and ectoparasites, respectively. Pet shop animals were more frequently infected by endoparasites, while ectoparasites were more prevalent in household animals. Isolated endoparasites included protozoa (Entamoeba sp., Balantidium sp., Isospora jaracimrmani and Caryospora corallae) and nematodes (ascarids, pinworms and strongylid nematodes), while ectoparasites included the mites Ophionyssus natricis, Hirstiella stamii and Hirstiella diolii and the tick Amblyomma latum. This study is the first report of H. stamii, H. diolii and A. latum in Italy. Results showed that pathogenic and potential zoonotic parasites are common among pet reptiles and highlight the role of veterinarians for the control of pet reptile parasitic diseases and the prevention of introducing exotic reptile parasitic species