A new thematic series has been published today in Veterinary Research,  highlighting new developments and important questions in the study of pathogen and immune responses in reptiles.

In the foreword for the series, Professors Gael Kurath and Alexandra Adams discuss the importance of study in this area:

“Fish and reptiles host a fascinating array of pathogens and diseases. Our knowledge of the host-pathogen interactions in these animals is driven by their importance in human food systems, zoological collections, medical products, research models, and healthy natural ecosystems. Although generally less extensively studied than mammalian and avian systems, the "lower vertebrates", which include fish, amphibians, and reptiles, have unique features of general veterinary interest.”

“Together with the contributions on bacterial diseases, our intent is to present some of the most interesting and significant aspects of current research in fish and reptile disease and immunity.”

The series and the articles within it were inspired by keynote presentations at the 8th International Symposium on Viruses of Lower Vertebrates, held in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, in April 2010. The series contains review articles on many different aspects of reptilian pathogens and immune responses, including an article by Dr Snow on how molecular epidemiology can help to study the distribution of disease in a population, and an article by Dr Colquhhoun and Dr Duodu on the taxonomy, transmission, and control of Francisella infections.

To view the series please see here.