Abstract
Different studies have reported the prevalence of Salmonella in turtles and its role in reptile-associated salmonellosis in humans, but there is a lack of scientific literature related with the epidemiology of Campylobacter in turtles. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of Campylobacter and Salmonella in free-living native (Emys orbicularis, n=83) and exotic ( Trachemys scripta elegans, n=117) turtles from 11 natural ponds in Eastern Spain. In addition, different types of samples (cloacal swabs, intestinal content and water from Turtle containers) were compared. Regardless of the turtle species, natural ponds where individuals were captured and the type of sample taken, Campylobacter was not detected. Salmonella was isolated in similar proportions in native (8.0±3.1%) and exotic (15.0±3.3%) turtles (p=0.189). The prevalence of Salmonella positive turtles was associated with the natural ponds where animals were captured. Captured turtles from 8 of the 11 natural ponds were positive, ranged between 3.0±3.1% and 60.0±11.0%. Serotyping revealed 8 different serovars among four Salmonella enterica subspecies: S. enterica subsp. enterica (n = 21), S. enterica subsp. salamae (n = 2), S. enterica subsp. diarizonae (n = 3), and S. enterica subsp. houtenae (n = 1). Two serovars were predominant: S. Thompson (n=16) and S . typhimurium (n=3). In addition, there was an effect of sample type on Salmonella detection. The highest isolation of Salmonella was obtained from intestinal content samples (12.0±3.0%), while lower percentages were found for water from the containers and cloacal swabs (8.0±2.5% and 3.0±1.5%, respectively). Our results imply that free-living turtles are a risk factor for Salmonella transmission, but do not seem to be a reservoir for Campylobacter . We therefore rule out turtles as a risk factor for human campylobacteriosis. Nevertheless, further studies should be undertaken in other countries to confirm these results.
Highlights
Campylobacteriosis and salmonellosis are the two most prevalent zoonoses worldwide [1]
For Campylobacter isolation, overall 517 samples were analysed; 200 samples were from water containers (117 from exotic and 83 from native turtles), 200 from cloacal swabs (117 from exotic and 83 from native turtles) and 117 from intestinal content
For Salmonella isolation, overall 517 samples were examined; 200 samples were from water from the container (117 from exotic and 83 from native turtles), 200 from cloacal swab (117 from exotic and 83 from native turtles) and 117 from intestinal content
Summary
Campylobacteriosis and salmonellosis are the two most prevalent zoonoses worldwide [1]. These zoonoses represent an important public health problem and controlling the disease has become a vital challenge in most countries [1,2,3,4,5,6,7]. Campylobacteriosis is the most common cause of acute bacterial gastroenteritis in the EU [1,8,9]. The high and rapidly increasing incidence and the capacity of Campylobacter to cause considerable morbidity make campylobacteriosis a public health problem of considerable magnitude [2]. Compared to Salmonella, few outbreaks are reported, and most cases of campylobacteriosis are considered to be “sporadic” rather than a part of recognised outbreaks, with a seasonal peak during summer [12]
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