Aural abscesses in wild-caught box turtles (Terapene carolina): Possible role of organochlorine-induced hypovitaminosis A

Wild-caught box turtles (Terapene carolina carolina) with aural abscesses w ere observed over a period of several years. Histopathologic evaluation of epithelial tissues (conjunctiva, pharynx, trachea, auditory tube) revealed mucosal hyperplasia and squamous metaplasia, and accumulated keratin-like m aterial in the middle ear cavity. These manifestations suggested the possib ility of vitamin A deficiency. A nonsignificant trend toward reduced serum and hepatic vitamin A levels was observed in turtles with abscesses (mean s erum and hepatic vitamin A levels 71 and 49% of respective levels in turtle s without abscesses). Three organochlorine (OC) compounds (alpha -benzene h exachloride, heptachlor epoxide, and oxychlordane) and total (mug/g) OC com pounds were significantly higher in turtles with abscesses compared with tu rtles without abscesses. No OC compounds were higher in turtles without abs cesses compared with turtles with abscesses, These data suggest a possible effect of environmental chemicals on metabolism or utilization of vitamin A in wild box turtles, resulting in hypovitaminosis A. (C) 2001 academic Pre ss.