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

Veterinary Sciences 2026 Open access

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Authors: V.A. Palma Jauregui, Stephanie D. Shaw, Jana Schader, Richelle G. Butcher, Rachael Clark, Timothy H. Hyndman, Viviana González-Astudillo
DOI: 10.3390/vetsci13020162
Cited by: 0
References: 38

Abstract

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.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Fungal Infections and Studies Nail Diseases and Treatments Amphibian and Reptile Biology

Publication details

Journal / source
Veterinary Sciences
Volume
13
Issue
2
Pages
162–162
Publication date
6 February 2026
Language
EN