Severe Tick Infestation and Haemogregarina spp. Infection in a Captive African Rock Python ( Python sebae ): A Clinical and Parasitological Case from Nigeria
Abstract
Ectoparasitic infestations in reptiles-primarily ticks and mites-can significantly compromise their health and fitness, particularly in captivity conditions. This brief report describes a severe tick infestation and concurrent Haemogregarina spp. infection in an African rock python (Python sebae) at a private zoo in Abeokuta, Nigeria. Initial clinical evaluation revealed heavy infestations of Amblyomma latum ticks, pronounced facial swelling, incomplete shedding, anorexia, lethargy, and the presence of intraerythrocytic Haemogregarina-like gamonts on stained blood smears. Haematological analysis further showed mild haemoconcentration and elevated leukocyte differentials suggestive of an inflammatory response, potentially caused by a parasitic infection. The treatment protocol consisted of mechanical removal of ticks, oral administration of Ivermectin, and improved husbandry practices to prevent ectoparasite re-infestation. Post-treatment, the python showed a notable clinical improvement, evidenced by resumed feeding and normal shedding within five days. Microscopic examination of blood smears post-treatment confirmed the absence of Haemogregarina-like gamonts, indicating the effectiveness of the therapeutic approach. Overall, the present case report highlights the importance of parasitic surveillance, rapid intervention, and adherence to rigorous husbandry standards to ensure the health and welfare of reptiles in captivity.
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BibTeX
@article{akande2026severe,
title = {{Severe Tick Infestation and Haemogregarina spp. Infection in a Captive African Rock Python ( Python sebae ): A Clinical and Parasitological Case from Nigeria}},
author = {Foluke Adedayo Akande and Adrian A. Diaz Sanchez and Adeniyi Olugbenga Egbetade and Iskiil Oladehinde Oyenekan and Adeniyi Adekunle Adebiyi and Iyanu David Oyemade and Timothy Bamgbose and Angélique Foucault-Simonin and Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz},
journal = {Veterinary Medicine and Science},
year = {2026},
month = jun,
doi = {10.1002/vms3.70571},
url = {https://hal.inrae.fr/hal-05844343v1},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Severe Tick Infestation and Haemogregarina spp. Infection in a Captive African Rock Python ( Python sebae ): A Clinical and Parasitological Case from Nigeria
AU - Foluke Adedayo Akande
AU - Adrian A. Diaz Sanchez
AU - Adeniyi Olugbenga Egbetade
AU - Iskiil Oladehinde Oyenekan
AU - Adeniyi Adekunle Adebiyi
AU - Iyanu David Oyemade
AU - Timothy Bamgbose
AU - Angélique Foucault-Simonin
AU - Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/06/30
JO - Veterinary Medicine and Science
DO - 10.1002/vms3.70571
UR - https://hal.inrae.fr/hal-05844343v1
AB - Ectoparasitic infestations in reptiles-primarily ticks and mites-can significantly compromise their health and fitness, particularly in captivity conditions. This brief report describes a severe tick infestation and concurrent Haemogregarina spp. infection in an African rock python (Python sebae) at a private zoo in Abeokuta, Nigeria. Initial clinical evaluation revealed heavy infestations of Amblyomma latum ticks, pronounced facial swelling, incomplete shedding, anorexia, lethargy, and the presence of intraerythrocytic Haemogregarina-like gamonts on stained blood smears. Haematological analysis further showed mild haemoconcentration and elevated leukocyte differentials suggestive of an inflammatory response, potentially caused by a parasitic infection. The treatment protocol consisted of mechanical removal of ticks, oral administration of Ivermectin, and improved husbandry practices to prevent ectoparasite re-infestation. Post-treatment, the python showed a notable clinical improvement, evidenced by resumed feeding and normal shedding within five days. Microscopic examination of blood smears post-treatment confirmed the absence of Haemogregarina-like gamonts, indicating the effectiveness of the therapeutic approach. Overall, the present case report highlights the importance of parasitic surveillance, rapid intervention, and adherence to rigorous husbandry standards to ensure the health and welfare of reptiles in captivity.
SN - 2053-1095
SN - 2053-1095
ER -