Type A–like Retroviral Particles in a Metastatic Intestinal Adenocarcinoma in an Emerald Tree Boa (Corallus caninus)

Abstract

A metastatic intestinal papillary adenocarcinoma was diagnosed histologically in an emerald tree boa ( Corallus caninus). Metastasis was detected in the liver, both kidneys, lung, and coelomic wall. Ultrastructural examination of the metastatic intestinal epithelial cells in the liver revealed the presence of a moderate number of viral particles that most closely resembled type A retroviral particles and were mainly associated with granular endoplasmic reticulum membranes. This case is the first description of type A-like retroviral particles in a neoplasm of a snake. The role of the virions in the etiology of the intestinal adenocarcinoma is uncertain. In addition, this is the first confirmed report of a metastatic intestinal adenocarcinoma in a snake.