Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome (MODS) induced by Candida krusei in an Aldabra giant tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantea) and confirmed by electron microscopy analysis

Abstract

A young female Aldabra giant tortoise (Adabrachelys gigantea) was presented with anorexia, ataxia, severe constipation and bloating. Analysis revealed liver disease and collected biopsy diagnosed Candida krusei infection. Despite Itraconazole treatment, the tortoise got worse and died. Full necropsy was performed; microbiology showed Candida krusei presence in liver, but histopathology didn’t confirm fungal presence with special stains, so scanning electron microscopy was essential to prove a detailed diagnosis of extensive mycosis. Keywords: Giant tortoise, Constipation, Electron microscopy, Candida, Liver disease