Outbreak of <i>Salmonella</i> Typhimurium associated with feeder rodents

Vrbova, Linda; Sivanantharajah, Sujani; Walton, R.; Whitfield, Yvonne; Lee, C.; Picard, Isabelle; Chapinal, N.; Gaulin, Colette; Tschetter, Lorelee; Tataryn, Joanne

doi:10.1111/zph.12442

Cited by 14 publications

(14 citation statements)

References 18 publications

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“…Particular attention has recently been given to snakes and lizards, as human interaction with these reptiles has become increasingly common in domestic environments (11,60). In this sense, it is important to highlight that these reptiles are mainly fed with food from animal origin, which represents an important source of Salmonella (49,61,62). Previous studies carried out in the United Kingdom reported the important role of commercial feeder rodents in bacterial transmission among reptiles, and even their owners (63,64).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Pet Reptiles: A Potential Source of Transmission of Multidrug-Resistant Salmonella

et al. 2021

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Salmonella spp. is widely considered one of the most important zoonotic pathogens worldwide. The close contact between reptiles and their owners provides favourable conditions for the transmission of zoonotic pathogen infections, and ~6% of human salmonellosis cases are acquired after direct or indirect contact with reptiles. Moreover, antimicrobial resistance is one of the most important health threats of the twenty-first century and has been reported in Salmonella strains isolated from pet reptiles, which could entail therapeutic consequences for their owners and breeders. The aim of this study was to assess Salmonella carriage by pet reptiles in pet shops and households, and their role in the transmission of antimicrobial resistance, to inform the owners about the possible risks factors. During the period between January 2019 and December 2019, 54 reptiles from pet shops and 69 reptiles from households were sampled in the Valencian Region (Eastern Spain). Three different sample types were collected from each reptile: oral cavity, skin, and cloacal swabs. Salmonella identification was based on ISO 6579-1:2017 (Annex D), serotyped in accordance with Kauffman-White-Le-Minor technique, and antibiotic susceptibility was assessed according to Decision 2013/652. The results of this study showed that 48% of the pet reptiles examined from households and pet shops carry Salmonella spp. All the strains isolated presented resistance to at least one antibiotic, and 72% were multidrug-resistant strains, the most frequently observed resistance patterns being gentamicin-colistin and gentamicin-colistin-ampicillin. The present study demonstrates that pet reptiles could be a source of human multidrug-resistant Salmonella infection. In this context, the most optimal prevention of multidrug-resistant Salmonella infections necessarily involves strict control of the sanitary status of reptile pet shops and hygienic handling by the individual owners at home.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Pet Reptiles: A Potential Source of Transmission of Multidrug-Resistant Salmonella

et al. 2021

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“…Curiously, previous reports have shown that shedding of Salmonella spp. is greater in carnivore reptiles fed by contaminated reptile feeder mice [46]. In fact, feeder rodents are potential carriers of Salmonella spp.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Identification and Characterization ofEscherichia coli,SalmonellaSpp.,Clostridium perfringens, andC. difficileIsolates from Reptiles in Brazil

Ramos

Santana

Coura

et al. 2019

BioMed Research International

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Considering the increasing popularity of reptiles as pets and their possible role as reservoirs of pathogenic microorganisms, the aim of this study was to isolate Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Clostridium perfringens, and C. difficile strains from reptiles in Brazil and to characterize the isolated strains. The characterization was based on phylogenetic typing of E. coli, identification of virulence genes of E. coli, C. perfringens, and C. difficile, serotyping of Salmonella spp., ribotyping and MLST of C. difficile and antimicrobial susceptibility test of pathogenic strains. Cloacal swabs were collected from 76 reptiles, of which 15 were lizards, 16 chelonians, and 45 snakes, either living in captivity, in the wild, or as companion animals. E. coli was isolated from 52 (68.4%) reptiles, of which 46 (88.4%) were characterized as phylogroup B1. The virulence factor CNF1 of E. coli was found in seven (9.2%) sampled animals, whereas the gene of EAST1 was found in isolates from two (2.6%) reptiles. Three isolates positive for CNF1 were resistant to cephalothin, one of which was also resistant to ciprofloxacin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, and chloramphenicol, being then classified as multidrug resistant strain (MDR). Salmonella enterica was identified in 26 (34.2%) reptiles, of which 13 belonged to the subspecies enterica. Serotypes such as S. Mbandaka, S. Panama, S. Infantis, S. Heidelberg, and S. Anatum were identified. One isolate of S. enterica subsp. houtenae was resistant to cephalothin and ciprofloxacin. C. perfringens type A was isolated from six (7.8%) animals. C. difficile was isolated from three (3.9%) reptiles. Two of these isolates were toxigenic and classified into ribotypes/MLST 081/ST9 and 106/ST42, which have been previously reported to infect humans. In conclusion, reptiles in Brazil can harbor toxigenic C. difficile and potentially pathogenic E. coli and Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica, thus representing a risk to human and animal health.

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“…In cases involving pet turtles, almost half (45%) of infections occurred in children younger than 5 years [180]. Salmonella infections are often transferred by feeder rodents [181] and outbreaks highlight the importance of improving public awareness and education in countries who receive imported reptiles [182]. It is advised to exclude reptiles, amphibians, rodents, exotic species, baby poultry, and raw animal-based pet food items from the households of patients at high risk.…”

Section: Keeping Unusual Exotic Animalsmentioning

confidence: 99%

A One Health Perspective on the Human–Companion Animal Relationship with Emphasis on Zoonotic Aspects

Overgaauw

Vinke

Hagen

et al. 2020

IJERPH

168

137

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Over time the human–animal bond has been changed. For instance, the role of pets has changed from work animals (protecting houses, catching mice) to animals with a social function, giving companionship. Pets can be important for the physical and mental health of their owners but may also transmit zoonotic infections. The One Health initiative is a worldwide strategy for expanding collaborations in all aspects of health care for humans, animals, and the environment. However, in One Health communications the role of particularly dogs and cats is often underestimated. Objective: Evaluation of positive and negative One Health issues of the human–companion animal relationship with a focus on zoonotic aspects of cats and dogs in industrialized countries. Method: Literature review. Results: Pets undoubtedly have a positive effect on human health, while owners are increasing aware of pet’s health and welfare. The changing attitude of humans with regard to pets and their environment can also lead to negative effects such as changes in feeding practices, extreme breeding, and behavioral problems, and anthropozoonoses. For the human, there may be a higher risk of the transmission of zoonotic infections due to trends such as sleeping with pets, allowing pets to lick the face or wounds, bite accidents, keeping exotic animals, the importation of rescue dogs, and soil contact. Conclusions: One Health issues need frequently re-evaluated as the close human–animal relationship with pet animals can totally differ compared to decennia ago. Because of the changed human–companion animal bond, recommendations regarding responsible pet-ownership, including normal hygienic practices, responsible breeding, feeding, housing, and mental and physical challenges conforming the biology of the animal are required. Education can be performed by vets and physicians as part of the One Health concept.

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Outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium associated with feeder rodents

Cited by 14 publications

References 18 publications

Pet Reptiles: A Potential Source of Transmission of Multidrug-Resistant Salmonella

Pet Reptiles: A Potential Source of Transmission of Multidrug-Resistant Salmonella

Identification and Characterization ofEscherichia coli,SalmonellaSpp.,Clostridium perfringens, andC. difficileIsolates from Reptiles in Brazil

A One Health Perspective on the Human–Companion Animal Relationship with Emphasis on Zoonotic Aspects

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