Gross, histologic, and molecular findings in fatal infections by <i>Trachemys</i> herpesvirus 1 in black-bellied sliders ( <i>Trachemys dorbigni</i> )

Herpesviruses are among the most significant viral pathogens that affect captive and free-ranging testudines. Moreover, herpesviruses are known to establish latent infections. In this report, we describe 2 cases of <i>Trachemys</i> herpesvirus infection in captive adult black-bellied sliders (<i>Trachemys dorbigni</i>) submitted for necropsy after a 2-week history of respiratory signs and oral lesions. Gross examination revealed severe diphtheric stomatitis, rhinitis, tracheitis, esophagitis, gastritis, and reddened lungs. Histologically, there were multifocal areas of necrosis with syncytial cells and fibrin deposition. Intranuclear amphophilic to eosinophilic inclusions were frequent in epithelial and syncytial cells, especially in the respiratory tract. Oral cavity and esophageal swabs were collected during necropsy and subjected to a multiplex nested PCR assay targeting herpesvirus DNA. The amplified DNA was sequenced and analyzed phylogenetically, confirming the virus as <i>Trachemys</i> herpesvirus. This is the first detailed description of clinical disease and associated lesions caused by <i>Trachemys</i> herpesvirus infection.