Systemic mycotic disease of captive crocodile hatchling (Crocodylus porosus) caused by Paecilomyces lilacinus.

The sudden death occurred of a captive Estuarine crocodile hatchling (Crocodylus porosus). On autopsy, granuloma-like lesions were seen in the liver, left lung and spleen, and branching, septate fungal hyphae were observed in sections of liver and spleen. The fungus isolated from the liver showed characteristics of both Paecilomyces lilacinus and Paecilomyces marquandii but was closer to the former species. This is apparently the first report of the isolation of this fungus from a reptile in Australia.