HERPESVIRUS IN CUTANEOUS FIBROPAPILLOMAS OF THE GREEN TURTLE CHELONIA-MYDAS

Two juvenile green turtles Chelonia mydas with multiple cutaneous and ocular fibropapillomas were evaluated. Both turtles were anesthetized and fibropapillomas were surgically removed and examined by light microscopy. Turtle No. 1 died postsurgically and was necropsied. Turtle No. 2 recovered and was anesthetized 3 wk later to remove remaining fibropapillomas. Three weeks after the second surgery, Turtle No. 2 died and was necropsied. Histopathologic evaluation of hematoxylin and eosin stained sections of fibropapillomas of both turtles revealed areas of ballooning degeneration of epidermal cells associated with eosinophilic intranuclear inclusions. By electron microscopy, inclusions consisted of virus-like particles measuring 77 to 90 nm. Envelopment of these particles was observed at the nuclear membrane and mature enveloped particles measuring 110 to 120 nm were present in the cytoplasm. Based upon morphology, size, and location the particles were compatible with those of the family Herpetoviridae.