Abstract

BackgroundNew epidemiological data on bacterial and parasitic infections in 24 Italian wall lizards, namely Podarcis sicula (mainland population) and P. sicula klemmerii (insular population) in southern Italy were provided. To achieve this goal, samples were collected from individuals belonging to the two populations and analysed by microbiological and parasitological methods.ResultsA wide range of bacteria (e.g. Pantoea spp., Citrobacter spp., Morganella spp., Pseudomonas, Enterobacter spp., Staphylococcus spp. and Escherichia coli) and parasites (e.g. Ophionyssus natricis, coccidia, Dicrocoelidae) were detected in both P. sicula and P. sicula klemmerii individuals. Insular population presented similar bacterial and parasitic diversity to its mainland counterpart. Ampicillin was the antimicrobial with the highest resistance rate.ConclusionThis study highlighted various bacteria and parasites, some of them potentially zoonotic. Further studies are needed to better understand the epidemiology and transmission routes of these pathogens along with their impact on the welfare and behaviour of Italian wall lizards.

Highlights

  • New epidemiological data on bacterial and parasitic infections in 24 Italian wall lizards, namely Podarcis sicula and P. sicula klemmerii in southern Italy were provided

  • Several bacteria were routinely isolated from the same animal

  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa were susceptible to all antimicrobials tested

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Summary

Introduction

New epidemiological data on bacterial and parasitic infections in 24 Italian wall lizards, namely Podarcis sicula (mainland population) and P. sicula klemmerii (insular population) in southern Italy were provided. To achieve this goal, samples were collected from individuals belonging to the two populations and analysed by microbiological and parasitological methods. The Italian wall lizard, Podarcis sicula, is one of the most common lizards in Italy [1]. As with many other insular populations of the Italian wall lizard, P.s. klemmeri is melanic, meaning the back appears tinged

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