Experimental infection of Asian house geckos with Enterococcus lacertideformus demonstrates multiple disease transmission routes and the in-vivo efficacy of antibiotics.

ABSTRACT: The disease caused by Enterococcus lacertideformus is multisystemic and ultimately fatal. Since its emergence, the bacterium has significantly impacted the captive breeding programs of the extinct in the wild Christmas Island Lister's gecko (Lepidodactylus listeri) and blue-tailed skink (Cryptoblepharus egeriae). The bacterium's pathogenicity, inability to grow in-vitro, and occurrence beyond the confines of Christmas Island necessitated the development of an experimental infection and treatment model. Asian house geckos (Hemidactylus frenatus) were challenged with a single dose of E. lacertideformus inoculum either by mouth, application to mucosal abrasion or skin laceration, subcutaneous injection, coelomic injection, or via co-housing with an infected gecko. Five healthy geckos acted as

SUBMITTER: Agius JE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8257746 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature