The immune system of lizards and snakes is influenced by age, nutrition, general health, ambient temperature and season. In temperate species thymic involution and splenic follicle regression occur seasonally. Antibody production is temperature dependent. The immune system functions most efficiently within a reptile's preferred optimum temperature zone (POTZ) although at a low level in comparison to birds and mammals. In captivity, lizards and snakes that are kept below their POTZ are immunocompromised and are therefore predisposed to infection with opportunistic pathogens.
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| Lizard and Snake Immune System Learning Resources | |
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 Full text articles available from CAB Abstract (CABI log in required) |
Clinical reptile immunology: antibodies to blood cells. Mitchell, M. A.; The North American Veterinary Conference, Gainesville, USA, Small animal and exotics. Proceedings of the North American Veterinary Conference, Orlando, Florida, USA, 17-21 January, 2009, 2009, pp 1788, 5 ref. |
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