Epidemiologic analysis and genetic diversity of Devriesea agamarum strains isolated from captive lizard collections

The present work describes the prevalence of Devriesea agamarum in clinically healthy and diseased lizards from several captive collections in Poland. In total, twenty nine isolates were obtained from 18 individuals displaying signs of infection and from 11 healthy animals. The bearded dragon ( Pogona vitticeps ) and spiny-tailed lizard ( Uromastyx sp.) were recognised as asymptomatic carriers in the collections tested (with carrier rates of 42.1 and 30%, respectively). The present study also confirms the potential pathogenicity of D. agamarum to members of the family Chamaeleonidae. The isolated strains were characterised phenotypically (RapID™ CB PLUS and some additional tests) and genotypically (ERIC-PCR and partial sequence analysis of the rpo B and dna J genes). The phylogenetic analysis revealed that D. agamarum is a heterogeneous species; based on the rpo B or dna J genes, the isolates could be divided into 2 or 3 distinct clades, respectively. In addition, an antimicrobial susceptibility test using the broth microdilution method was performed.