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Herpesvirus-like infection of the venom gland of Siamese cobras.

Charles F. Simpson,Elliott R. Jacobson,Gaskin Jm

Published 1979 in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association

ABSTRACT

The light and electron microscopic appearance of venom glands from two Siamese cobra snakes with a history of production of poor-quality venom was determined. Light microscopy revealed degeneration and necrosis of patches of columnar epithelial cells of glands and infiltration of the subepithelium by inflammatory cells. The lumina contained debris, venom, and necrotic cells. Electron microscopy revealed a deficiency of microvilli on the luminal surfaces of both degenerated and necrotic epithelial cells. The lumina contained fragmented microvilli, coated vesicles containing venom, and degenerated and necrotic cells. Naked and enveloped herpesvirus-like particles were seen in necrotic and ruptured cells. Occasionally, naked herpesvirus-like particles were seen in the nuclei of attached epithelial cells. It was concluded that herpesvirus-like infection of the venom gland was the probable cause of the production of poor-quality venom.

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