Discovery of Novel Definitive Hosts Broadens the Known Host Range of the Invasive Pentastome, Raillietiella orientalis, across Snakes, Lizards, and Chelonians

Opportunistic examination of reptiles in the context of various research projects in Florida, USA identified infection with the pentastome Raillietiella orientalis in novel hosts, including free-ranging and captive animals. Free-ranging hosts included two species of invasive snakes (Boa constrictor and Python sebae), three native snakes (Thamnophis saurita, Lampropeltis elapsoides, and Micrurus fulvius), two invasive lizards (Anolis equestris and Basiliscus vittatus), and one native lizard (Aspidoscelis sexlineatus). The latter represents the first documented case of adult R. orientalis spillover into Florida's native lizards. Novel definitive non-indigenous hosts in captive settings were one lizard species (Pogona vitticeps) and one tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantea). The documented Raillietiella infection in a tortoise not only represents a substantial host jump to include an additional order, the testudines, but it also demonstrates the pathogenic potential of the parasite in tortoises. Developing effective biosecurity strategies is essential for safeguarding both captive and wild herpetofauna from continued R. orientalis spillover, especially in regions with proximity to and trade with Florida.