Morganella morganii as a Causative Agent of Disease in the Chinese Giant Salamander (Andrias davidianus)

Morganella morganii strain 602-1 was isolated from a sick Chinese giant salamander (Andrias davidianus). The strain 602-1 was identified through its physiological and biochemical properties and 16S rDNA gene amplification and analyses. Pathogenicity was proven by experimental animal infection, and histopathological examination. The results showed that the amplified 16S rDNA sequence of strain 602-1 was 1455 bp, and showed 99% identity with M morganii. In the host infection experiment, the mortality of Chinese giant salamanders was about 70%. Pathological changes occurred in the spleen, heart, liver, kidney and intestine. This study will help the prevention, understanding and cure for M morganii infections in amphibians.