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Fatal Pneumonia Caused by Beauveria bassiana in a Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys kempii, Garman, 1880) on the Portuguese Coast: Case Report and Review of Beauveria spp. Infections in Reptiles

Summary

A young Kemp’s ridley sea turtle, one of the world’s most endangered turtle species, was found off the coast of Portugal and brought to a rehabilitation center. Despite intensive care, the turtle died after 11 days due to a severe fungal lung infection caused by Beauveria bassiana, a fungus that normally infects insects. This case highlights how endangered animals in poor health are vulnerable to opportunistic infections and emphasizes the importance of including fungal disease screening in wildlife rehabilitation programs.

Background

Kemp’s ridley sea turtles are the most critically endangered sea turtle species, with distribution primarily restricted to the Gulf of Mexico. Mycotic diseases in reptiles are often underrecognized but can cause significant morbidity and mortality, particularly in immunocompromised or stressed individuals such as stranded marine turtles.

Objective

To describe the postmortem findings of a juvenile Kemp’s ridley sea turtle rescued off the Portuguese coast that died from severe pneumonia caused by Beauveria bassiana, and to review Beauveria spp. infections in reptiles.

Results

Necropsy revealed severe diffuse pneumonia affecting approximately 60% of lung tissue with heterophilic bronchial and interstitial inflammation and branching septate hyphae. Fungal culture and DNA sequencing confirmed Beauveria bassiana. Antifungal susceptibility testing showed resistance to fluconazole and amphotericin B but susceptibility to itraconazole and voriconazole.

Conclusion

This rare occurrence of a Kemp’s ridley sea turtle on the Portuguese coast provides insights into dispersal patterns and highlights the growing relevance of emerging fungal pathogens in sea turtle conservation. Integration of mycological diagnostics and antifungal susceptibility testing into rehabilitation protocols is essential for improving outcomes in fungal infections in endangered sea turtles.
  • Published in:Microorganisms,
  • Study Type:Case Report and Literature Review,
  • Source: 10.3390/microorganisms13092092, PMID: 41011424
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