# Molecular Characterization and Clinicopathological Findings of Mycoplasma pogonae Infection in Captive Central Bearded Dragons (Pogona vitticeps)

## TL;DR

A study found that Mycoplasma pogonae caused severe illness and deaths in captive bearded dragons, leading to pneumonia and sudden mortality.

## Contribution

This is the first report linking Mycoplasma pogonae to severe respiratory disease and mortality in central bearded dragons.

## Key findings

- Mycoplasma pogonae was identified as the cause of a disease outbreak in captive central bearded dragons.
- Pneumonia of various types was confirmed in affected animals, with six deaths reported.
- M. pogonae is suggested to act as a primary infectious agent causing severe illness in these reptiles.

## Abstract

Between August and November 2023, a disease outbreak affected a research colony of 33 juvenile central bearded dragons in the USA. The dragons exhibited clinical signs including dehydration, lethargy, weight loss, difficulty breathing (dyspnea), and sudden death, resulting in six deaths. A full investigation, using molecular diagnostics and whole-genome sequencing, identified Mycoplasma pogonae as the cause. Pathological findings confirmed pneumonia in all affected animals, with various inflammatory cell types observed (histiocytic, lymphocytic, granulocytic, and heterophilic). This study suggests that M. pogonae has the ability to cause severe illness and mortality in captive bearded dragons.

From August to November 2023, a disease outbreak occurred in a research colony of 33 mixed-sex, five-month-old central bearded dragons obtained from a private breeder in the USA. Clinical presentation consisted primarily of dehydration, lethargy, inappetence, weight loss, neck extension, sporadic open mouth breathing indicating dyspnea, and sudden death. A total of six deaths occurred during this period. Pathological investigation followed by molecular diagnostics and whole-genome sequencing revealed Mycoplasma pogonae as the cause of disease. Pneumonia (5/6) was diagnosed from necropsy. Types of pneumonia included histiocytic (1/5), combined histiocytic and lymphocytic (2/5), histiocytic and granulocytic (1/5), and heterophilic pneumonia (1/5). Our results confirmed that M. pogonae infection is associated with sudden mortality in a colony of captive central bearded dragons in the USA and that M. pogonae has a potential pathogenic role as a primary infectious agent.