# Nannizziopsis pluriseptata-Associated Skin Lesions in a Shingleback Skink (Tiliqua rugosa) and Spiny-Tailed Skinks (Egernia depressa) in Australia

## TL;DR

This paper reports the first case of a fungal infection caused by Nannizziopsis pluriseptata in Australian skinks, highlighting its potential threat to reptile health.

## Contribution

The study confirms the first record of Nannizziopsis pluriseptata in Australia and describes its clinical impact on skink species.

## Key findings

- Nannizziopsis pluriseptata was identified in captive skinks from Queensland and Western Australia.
- The infection caused dermatitis and may lead to multi-systemic disease in reptiles.
- This is the first documented case of the pathogen in Australian herpetofauna.

## Abstract

Emerging fungal diseases are a growing concern for the health of free-living reptile populations. From these, Nannizziopsis species are noted as important pathogens associated with both skin and systemic disease. This case series describes skin lesions associated with Nannizziopsis pluriseptata, in captive native Australian skink species of unknown origin from two different states. It also provides a review on the clinical, pathological and diagnostic features of this emerging pathogen, currently of unknown impact to Australian herpetofauna.

Both captive and free-living reptiles are susceptible to infection by fungi from the Nannizziopsis genus and are prone to developing severe lesions that can affect skin and deeper tissues, becoming multi-systemic. With Australia having close to 1000 reptile species—of which 93% are endemic—the prevalence, distribution and susceptibility of reptiles to this emerging fungal infection remain unknown. In this case series, captive skinks originating from the states of Queensland and Western Australia were presented to wildlife veterinarians with dermatitis. Nannizziopsis pluriseptata was identified via fungal isolation, PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and sequencing, confirming the first record of this pathogen in the country.