Preliminary report of isolates from G. Rosea with intermittent mouth exudates

[Buspirone]

My red phase rosie had a pasty discharge coming out of its mouth at about the same time the Research Institute for Exotic Species Microbiology was gearing up so I entered her into the study and took mouth and fecal samples from her and submitted them to Larry Boyd and Kerry Gowin. They just posted the preliminaries to the ATS forum and I thought I would share them here if anyone is interested:

Preliminary report of isolates from G. Rosea with intermittent mouth exudates

August 8, 2003

From Mouth:

Unknown yeast like isolate
This yeast like isolate was taken to Montana State University where a mycologist suggested it resembled a Ustalago species; Ustalago is a plant pathogen causing a variety of smuts on cereal grains. I do not agree with this identification and have sent the specimen to the mycology dept. of Cornell University for further study.

It is quite possible that this is a cause of disease. We do not know the normal microbial flora yet so this is uncertain. I am asking Dr. Pizzi to suggest treatments, however a trial treatment with nystatin oral, as used for thrush in infants, might be worthwhile.

Staphylococcus epidermidis
This is common human normal flora and is unlikely to be a source of disease. This is uncertain as we do not yet understand the normal microbial flora of the tarantula.

Bacillus like sp. (not anthracis or thuringiensis)
Identification is not complete for this organism. The species above and several others have been ruled out. This organism may be a member of the B. Circulans group, a Paenibacillus sp. or a Brevibacillus sp. This may be a cause of disease, B. thuringiensis is a known pathogen of insects and other Bacillus species may be pathogenic for spiders. This is uncertain, as we do not yet understand the normal microbial flora of the tarantula. Some Bacillus species are antibiotic resistant, especially to the penicillin family, ciprofloxacin has been used successfully against penicillin resistant Bacillus species.

Proteus vulgaris
This organism is normal intestinal flora in many warm-blooded animals. Proteus species have been implicated in spider disease in the literature. This is uncertain, as we do not yet understand the normal microbial flora of the tarantula.

Moraxella canis
Members of the Moraxella group are normal flora in the respiratory tract of man and dogs and cats. They are opportunistic pathogens of man and animals. The meaning of this isolate is uncertain, as we do not yet understand the normal microbial flora of the tarantula.
Moraxella atlantae
Members of the Moraxella group are normal flora in the respiratory tract of man and dogs and cats. They are opportunistic pathogens of man and animals. The meaning of this isolate is uncertain, as we do not yet understand the normal microbial flora of the tarantula.


From Feces

Citrobacter sp.
Species identification is not yet complete. Members of the Citrobacter group are normal flora in the digestive tract of man and animals. They are opportunistic pathogens of man and animals. The meaning of this isolate is uncertain, as we do not yet understand the normal microbial flora of the tarantula.

Proteus mirabilis
Members of the Proteus group are normal flora in the digestive tract of man and animals. They are opportunistic pathogens of man and animals. The meaning of this isolate is uncertain, as we do not yet understand the normal microbial flora of the tarantula.

Proteus vulgaris
Members of the Proteus group are normal flora in the digestive tract of man and animals. They are opportunistic pathogens of man and animals. The meaning of this isolate is uncertain, as we do not yet understand the normal microbial flora of the tarantula.

Pseudomonas luteola
Members of the Pseudomonas group are common in nature especially water. They are opportunistic pathogens of man and animals. The meaning of this isolate is uncertain, as we do not yet understand the normal microbial flora of the tarantula.

Achromobacter (Asacchroltic group)
Members of the Achromobacter/ Alcaligenes group are common in nature. They are rarely opportunistic pathogens of man and animals. The meaning of this isolate is uncertain, as we do not yet understand the normal microbial flora of the tarantula.

Enterobacter sp.
Members of the Enterobacter group are normal flora in the digestive tract of man and animals. They are opportunistic pathogens of man and animals. The meaning of this isolate is uncertain, as we do not yet understand the normal microbial flora of the tarantula.


This report shows how little we know about the microbial ecology of spiders especially the tarantulas. It also shows how important it is that we learn about what is normal and what is abnormal.

With no scientific basis at all, I believe you should concern your self with the first and third isolates. Please consult a veterinarian and discuss these findings; only a veterinarian is qualified to recomend the medicines that may be effective against these organisms and remain safe for your tarantulas. Please remember that much of this data is preliminary and may be changed as further studies progress.

Thank you very much for participating our research program on tarantula microbiology.


Sincerely yours,
Larry D. Boyd
Research Microbiologist
Research Institute for Exotic Species Microbiology

 

[minax]

............

Thanks for posting the great info. Very informative. I have alot of experience treating parasites in reptiles and amph., and though there are a lot of unknowns, they are easy to treat compared to T's! Just goes to show, how much research is needed, and how little is known by us about T pathogens. Thanks again.

 

[Code Monkey]

I've had two Ts with the paste at the mouth which was not associated with nematodes. I examined it microscopically and it was a yeast so it sounds similar or the same to what you had.

The first was my B. emilia - it didn't eat for a while but after I cleaned everything up with a brush it has seemed to make a full recovery. I've not seen the discharge for several months.

I've got an A. avicularia with the same stuff that continues to have periodic flare ups but eats. I'm hoping it will recover like the B. emilia.

I'm very interested to see if they make a positive ID of the yeast. I suppose I should see about taking samples if my pinktoe has another flareup to contribute while I'm at it.

 

[bodisky]

Hello all!
Right now we have more sick t's with nematodes than anything else. One t died a few weeks after sampling but autopsy was not an option.
I have performed one autopsy on an wc A. moderatum with nematodes. I will post my report and a few pics soon with the persmission of the participant. (dont view before eating)
As for this alleged yeast problem have any of the t's with similar problems been treated with oral Nystatin? I speaking to any member of this board of course. Any information or observations will be added to our database and proper credit given.
Thanks Rob for posting our report!
Kerry Gowin
Research Institute for Exotic Species Microbiology

 

[bodisky]

forgot to add that we have our website up albeit still under construction. We will be posting all info there as well as treatments as they are developed. Website is www.exoticmicro.org
Thanks again!
Kerry Gowin
Administrator
Research Institute for Exotic Species Microbiology

 

[Buspirone]

I havn't seen the paste recently so I'm keeping my fingers crossed and I havn't seen any signs of illness in my other Ts. Kerry and Larry are doing a lot of work donating their own time and resources. They really deserve a big thanks and recognition for all the work they are doing.

 

[minax]

Yes........

Thank you, Terry and Larry, for the research and help you are giving us and the hobby. The time and great effort you are putting into this is greatly appreciated, and the research and info. you are providing is very much needed, and obviously ground breaking. I will send you the next spider I have that dies under suspicious circumstances, or send you a sample to culture to see what is up. Thanks again for all your time and effort!

 

[bodisky]

Hello!
Just wanted to say thanks to you all for the kind words of support.
We will be happy to send sample swab kits to anyone who wishes to participate in the studies. If you have a sick T please contact me at bodiskyme@yahoo.com or pm here. We also take donations of deceased T's and we are needing donations of live healthy specimens for our normal flora studies. These healthy T's will have the "life of Riley" and be fat and happy for the rest of their lives. They will not be subjected to anything or any conditions other than being spoiled rotten and cared for constantly. This goes for any animal that comes through our doors healthy or otherwise ill. We are also in dire need of monetary donations as the research, equipment and supplies are very expensive. If you can spare a few bucks please contact me at the aforementioned email addy.
One other thing about the deceased T's. We know that it may be hard to give up your precious pet and to think of it in a lab environment but think of this saying by A. Cruz "let the dead teach the living." These eight legged wonders are constantly teaching us. Please listen, observe, participate and donate if you can.
Again thanks to all for the support and offers of help! Keep it coming! We really need it!
Kerry Gowin
Research Institute for Exotic Species Microbiology

 

[vulpina]

Thanks for the interesting info, when you get more please post.

Andy

 

[AgeAye]

I've had two Ts with the paste at the mouth which was not associated with nematodes. I examined it microscopically and it was a yeast so it sounds similar or the same to what you had.

The first was my B. emilia - it didn't eat for a while but after I cleaned everything up with a brush it has seemed to make a full recovery. I've not seen the discharge for several months.

I've got an A. avicularia with the same stuff that continues to have periodic flare ups but eats. I'm hoping it will recover like the B. emilia.

I'm very interested to see if they make a positive ID of the yeast. I suppose I should see about taking samples if my pinktoe has another flareup to contribute while I'm at it.

I think my T has the same problem, I tried to message you but your inbox is full.

upon examining the mouth exudate twice, the white gunk at the end of the qtip broke into small particles
your opinion and support would be much appreciated.

http://www.arachnoboards.com/ab/sho...tuff-in-avic-avic-mouth-need-help-asap!/page3

 

[BrettG]

I think my T has the same problem, I tried to message you but your inbox is full.

upon examining the mouth exudate twice, the white gunk at the end of the qtip broke into small particles
your opinion and support would be much appreciated.

http://www.arachnoboards.com/ab/sho...tuff-in-avic-avic-mouth-need-help-asap!/page3

I do not think you will be getting a response anytime soon( looks at date of thread)