Veterinary Research Forum
Vet Res Forum

First case of serpentovirus infection in a ball python (Python regius) in Thailand: a case report with molecular characterization

Document Type : Clinical Report

Authors

Panithi Laoungbua 1
Nararat Laopichienpong 2
Apinya Longya 2
Lawan Chanhome 1
Taksa Vasaruchapong 1
Tanapong Tawan 1
Narongsak Chaiyabutr 2

1 Snake Farm, Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute, Bangkok, Thailand

2 Department of research and development, Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute, Bangkok, Thailand

https://doi.org/10.30466/vrf.2024.2034234.4345
Abstract
The pet snake industry in Thailand has seen a significant rise in popularity, with the ball python (Python regius) becoming a frequently kept species. However, respiratory disease poses a notable health concern, and various viral pathogens, including serpentoviruses (formerly classified as nidoviruses), have been implicated. While serpentovirus infections have been reported globally in diverse snake species, no documented cases had previously been identified in Thailand. This case report describes a 9-month-old ball python presenting to the Reptile Science Clinic at the Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute in Bangkok, Thailand, with respiratory distress and emaciation. Despite veterinary intervention, the snake succumbed to the infection within two weeks. Post-mortem examination revealed marked mucus accumulation within the oral cavity and necrotic oral mucosa. Histopathological analysis demonstrated severe catarrhal pneumonia. Molecular investigations confirmed the presence of serpentovirus in the lung tissue of the affected python, with subsequent sequence analysis revealing close homology to known serpentoviruses in ball pythons. This report documents the first confirmed case of serpentovirus infection in a pet snake in Thailand.

Keywords

Nidovirales
Respiratory tract infection
Snake

Subjects

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Veterinary Research Forum
Volume 16, Issue 6
June 2025
Pages 361-364

  • Receive Date 02 July 2024
  • Revise Date 08 September 2024
  • Accept Date 05 October 2024

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