§ — PATHOGEN PROFILE · IRIDO

Iridovirus (Fam. Iridoviridae)

Iridovirus, fam. Iridoviridae (invertebrate iridescent viruses a.o.)

A group most often detected in lizards, in part carried in by feeder insects, and routinely screened alongside ranavirus. [16][17]

Method: PCR
Sample material: Oral swab
Catalogue code: IRIDO

The pathogen

Large double-stranded DNA virus. Some members infect invertebrates and are transmitted to reptiles through the feeder-insect chain.

Transmission

Ingestion of infected feeder insects, direct contact and contaminated environment.

Pathology

Necrosis of liver, spleen and kidney
Dermatitis and poor shedding
Inclusion bodies in affected cells
Immunosuppression with secondary infection

Clinical signs

Lethargy, anorexia, weight loss
Skin lesions and dysecdysis
Sudden death in small lizards

Prevention

Source feeder insects from a controlled supplier; consider screening insect colonies
Separate insect breeding from reptile rooms
Quarantine and test all new lizards

Treatment options

No specific therapy. Supportive care, husbandry correction and removal of the suspected feeder source.

Target species

Chameleons and geckos
Agamids and other lizards
Snakes and chelonians occasionally
Feeder insects (crickets, roaches) act as a source

Testing note

PCR on an oral swab. Iridovirus and ranavirus are distinct targets on the panel and should be read separately. [16][17]

Order this test How to take the swab

Scientific references

[16]Papp T, Marschang RE (2019). Detection and Characterization of Invertebrate Iridoviruses Found in Reptiles and Prey Insects in Europe over the Past Two Decades. Viruses 11:600. DOI: 10.3390/v11070600 · PMID: 31269721
[17]Papp T, Spann D, Marschang RE (2014). Development and use of a real-time polymerase chain reaction for the detection of group II invertebrate iridoviruses in pet lizards and prey insects. Journal of zoo and wildlife medicine : official publication of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians 45:219-27. DOI: 10.1638/2012-0044.1 · PMID: 25000681

PCR detection depends on specimen quality, sampling time, intermittent shedding and the analytical method. A negative PCR result applies only to the submitted sample.

Other investigations

References

[16]Papp T, Marschang RE (2019). Detection and Characterization of Invertebrate Iridoviruses Found in Reptiles and Prey Insects in Europe over the Past Two Decades. Viruses 11:600. DOI: 10.3390/v11070600 · PMID: 31269721
[17]Papp T, Spann D, Marschang RE (2014). Development and use of a real-time polymerase chain reaction for the detection of group II invertebrate iridoviruses in pet lizards and prey insects. Journal of zoo and wildlife medicine : official publication of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians 45:219-27. DOI: 10.1638/2012-0044.1 · PMID: 25000681

Order a kit
Prepared for your animal and typically delivered within 7 days
Send the samples
Take the sample and send it directly to the laboratory
Receive the test result
Typically within 7 days after the laboratory receives the sample

This profile is reference information for keepers and breeders. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace veterinary advice. Medicines mentioned are prescription-only and must be used under veterinary supervision.