You are here

FAU Collections » FAU Research Repository » FAU Theses and Dissertations

INFLUENCE OF UV LIGHT ON VITAMIN D AND IMMUNE FUNCTION OF GREEN (CHELONIA MYDAS) SEA TURTLES WITH FIBROPAPILLOMATOSIS

Download pdf | Full Screen View

Date Issued:
2020
Abstract/Description:
Green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) are an endangered species prone to a debilitating disease called fibropapillomatosis (FP). The aim of this study was to determine the influence of UV light on vitamin D levels and immune function in juvenile green sea turtles with FP. Phagocytosis, plasma vitamin D levels and viral load of ChHV5 were measured for FP- and FP+ turtles kept at the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center (GLNC) and for turtles caught at the St. Lucie power plant. Turtles kept at GLNC were housed in tanks exposed to varying amounts of UV light. Turtles brought into GLNC had lower phagocytosis compared to turtles at the St. Lucie power plant. Individuals exposed to greater UV light had higher plasma vitamin D levels and a more successful recovery. The results of this project will provide rehabilitation facilities with a mechanism to improve the recovery of animals with this disease.
Title: INFLUENCE OF UV LIGHT ON VITAMIN D AND IMMUNE FUNCTION OF GREEN (CHELONIA MYDAS) SEA TURTLES WITH FIBROPAPILLOMATOSIS.
139 views
54 downloads
Name(s): Garefino, Victoria E., author
Milton, Sarah L. , Thesis advisor
Florida Atlantic University, Degree grantor
Department of Biological Sciences
Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Type of Resource: text
Genre: Electronic Thesis Or Dissertation
Date Created: 2020
Date Issued: 2020
Publisher: Florida Atlantic University
Place of Publication: Boca Raton, Fla.
Physical Form: application/pdf
Extent: 88 p.
Language(s): English
Abstract/Description: Green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) are an endangered species prone to a debilitating disease called fibropapillomatosis (FP). The aim of this study was to determine the influence of UV light on vitamin D levels and immune function in juvenile green sea turtles with FP. Phagocytosis, plasma vitamin D levels and viral load of ChHV5 were measured for FP- and FP+ turtles kept at the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center (GLNC) and for turtles caught at the St. Lucie power plant. Turtles kept at GLNC were housed in tanks exposed to varying amounts of UV light. Turtles brought into GLNC had lower phagocytosis compared to turtles at the St. Lucie power plant. Individuals exposed to greater UV light had higher plasma vitamin D levels and a more successful recovery. The results of this project will provide rehabilitation facilities with a mechanism to improve the recovery of animals with this disease.
Identifier: FA00013467 (IID)
Degree granted: Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2020.
Collection: FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection
Note(s): Includes bibliography.
Subject(s): Chelonia mydas
Green turtle--Diseases
Fibropapillomatosis
Ultraviolet radiation
Vitamin D
Held by: Florida Atlantic University Libraries
Sublocation: Digital Library
Persistent Link to This Record: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013467
Use and Reproduction: Copyright © is held by the author with permission granted to Florida Atlantic University to digitize, archive and distribute this item for non-profit research and educational purposes. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions requires permission of the copyright holder.
Use and Reproduction: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
Host Institution: FAU
Is Part of Series: Florida Atlantic University Digital Library Collections.