Salmonella species in free‐living spur‐thighed tortoises (Testudo graeca) in central western Morocco

Salmonella in free-living exotic and native turtles and in pet exotic turtles from SW Spain

“…These results are similar to the prevalence registered in previous studies in aquatic turtles (Abalem de Sá and Solari, 2001;Hidalgo-Vila et al, 2007). However, high prevalence of the bacteria (>70%) have been reported in terrestrial tortoises (Vincent et al, 1960;Pasmans et al, 2000;Hidalgo-Vila et al, 2007, 2008.…”

“…All serotypes identified have been also isolated in humans during the last years (Olsen et al, 2001;CDC, 2003;Enter-net 2006). The most prevalent, Potsdam, has been previously reported in reptiles (Vincent et al, 1960;Briones et al, 2004;Hidalgo-Vila et al, 2008), although it is not one of the most common serotypes affecting humans. Indeed, it has been identified as the most abundant serotype of aquatic and terrestrial turtles of another locality in southwestern Spain (HidalgoVila et al, 2007).…”

“…Chelonians are important carriers of Salmonella (Vincent et al, 1960;Chiodini and Sundberg, 1981;Pasmans et al, 2000;Briones et al, 2004;Hidalgo-Vila et al, 2007, 2008 and reptiles have been frequently reported as responsible for salmonellosis in humans, especially in children (Mermin et al, 1997;Woodward et al, 1997;Warwick et al, 2001;Mermin et al, 2004;Corrente et al, 2006). However, at present, there are no laws in Europe regulating the trade and safe keeping of turtles in captivity.…”

Turtle-Associated <i>Salmonella</i> Infections in Kanagawa, Japan

“…Spur-thighed tortoises are one of the most popular types of pet tortoises and originate in areas around the Mediterranean Sea. Previous reports have demonstrated that spur-thighed tortoises frequently harbor Salmonella and that S. enterica subspecies enterica isolates from these tortoises include 23 serotypes (28)(29)(30)(31)(32). Accordingly, spur-thighed tortoises should be considered a major source of Salmonella for humans.…”

“…Accordingly, spur-thighed tortoises should be considered a major source of Salmonella for humans. Among the serotypes isolated from the tortoises, S. enterica subspecies enterica serovar Abony was one of the most prevalent (29,30). Although parents often think that turtles are safer for children than lizards and snakes, children are at a high risk of contracting turtle-associated salmonellosis from small turtles because they can be easily handled and placed in the mouth (4)(5)(6).…”