Survey of co-infection by Salmonellaand oxyurids in tortoises

Abstract

BackgroundSalmonella spp. and oxyurids are among the most prevalent bacterial and parasitic agents in reptiles. These organisms are routinely isolated in healthy tortoises, although heavy infections may cause significant pathology. Tortoises are considered a common source of reptile-associated salmonellosis, an important zoonosis reported worldwide. A survey of the prevalence of Salmonella spp. and oxyurids in 53 tortoises was conducted in southern Italy and a possible correlation between the two pathogens was therefore investigated.ResultsSalmonella spp. and oxyurids were detected with a prevalence of 49.1 and 81.1%, respectively. A significant positive correlation between Salmonella spp. and oxyurids was demonstrated. However, confounding factors related to husbandry could have been involved in determining this correlation.ConclusionsOur results suggest that caution should be exercised in translocation, husbandry, and human contact with tortoises and other exotic pets. Further studies on the epidemiology, molecular characterization and pathogenesis of Salmonella and oxyurids are needed to assess the actual impact of these organisms, as single or associated infections, on tortoises and on other exotic pets.

Plasma antibacterial activities in ornate (Terrapene ornata) and eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina)

“…can cause a variety of disease presentations in reptiles including enteritis, hepatitis, osteomyelitis, and sepsis, and are an important regulatory force for the companion reptile industry due to the potential for zoonotic transmission and subsequent human infection (Jacobson, 2007; Wellehan & Divers, 2019). These bacteria are commonly identified in captive chelonians secondary to stress and poor husbandry, but are infrequently detected by culture or PCR from free‐living turtles (Brenner, Lewbart, Stebbins, & Herman, 2002; Dipineto et al, 2012; Kodjo et al, 1997; Richards, Brown, Kelly, Fountain, & Sleeman, 2004; Saelinger, Lewbart, Christian, & Lemons, 2006). This may be due to the robust innate immune response against Salmonella spp.…”

Bacteria and parasites in Podarcis sicula and P. sicula klemmerii

“…Bacterial and parasitic infections in reptiles have recently gained scientific relevance. However, the majority of studies were carried out on captive-bred individuals of Cryptodira (tortoises, [ 23 ]), Serpentes and Sauria (snakes and other ‘lizards’, [ 24 ]). Conversely, data on infections in wild lizards are scarce.…”

Salmonella serotypes isolated in geckos kept in seven collections in southern Italy

“…Salmonella species are natural inhabitants of the reptile gut microflora, detected in various species of reptiles kept as pets ( Dipineto et al . , Chen et al . , Mughini‐Gras et al .…”

“…Salmonella species are natural inhabitants of the reptile gut microflora, detected in various species of reptiles kept as pets (Dipineto et al 2012, Chen et al 2013, Mughini-Gras et al 2016. Clinical signs of Salmonella infection in reptiles are rare and appear to be associated with underlying disease or other stressors.…”