An outbreak of a mixed infection due to fungal (Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. mentagrophytes) and parasitic (Geckobiella donnae) agents on green iguanas

Background: Green iguana (Iguana iguana) is one of the newly imported exotic pets which has been observed with increasing regularity in veterinary clinics in Iran. Despite their popularity, information about their diseases is scarce. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the pathogenic agents in green iguanas with skin disorders. METHODS: The animals were brought to Small Animal Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Tehran, Iran, with chronic pruritic dermatitis, scabs, loss of spines and deep ulcerative dermatitis located over the body. During physical exam, deposits of dry seborrhea were taken and processed for diagnosis. The clinical specimens were cultured on sabouraud dextrose agar containing chloramphenicol and cycloheximide and mycosel agar. RESULTS: Microscopic examination revealed fungal elements as Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. mentagrophytes and psoroptid mites as Geckobiella donnae. CONCLUSIONS: This was the first report of the presence of fungal and parasitic agents as the etiological agents of dermatological disorders in green iguanas.