Preliminary findings of Salmonella spp. in captive green iguanas (Iguana iguana) and their environment.
Captive reptiles are routinely identified as reservoirs of Salmonella spp. and reports of reptile-associated salmonellosis are increasing. Unfortunately, little is known about the epidemiology of Salmonella spp. and green iguanas. We did a limited survey of a green-iguana farm in El Salvador to identify sources of Salmonella spp. in green iguanas and their environment. A limited number of samples for microbiological culture were collected from iguanas (adult, hatchling, and embryos) and their environment (food, water, soil, shelter, insects, and wild-caught lizards). Salmonella spp. was isolated from the intestine of both adult (3/20) and hatchling iguanas (8/20). There was no evidence of Salmonella spp. in the reproductive tracts of female iguanas (0/10). Salmonella spp. was isolated from the surface of 40% (7/16) of the egg surfaces tested. Salmonella spp. was not identified from the externalized yolk-sac of the iguana embryos tested. Soil samples from a breeding pen and a nest were both positive for Salmonella spp. Eight different Salmonella spp. serotypes were identified in this survey. These results suggest that horizontal transmission of Salmonella spp. is a potential source of exposure to hatchling iguanas at this facility.
Mitchell
M A
MA
Department of Epidemiology and Community Health, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge 70803, USA. mitchell@vetmed.lsu.edu
Shane
S M
SM
D000818:Animals; D004197:Disease Reservoirs / Q000662:veterinary*; D004544:El Salvador / Q000453:epidemiology; D004783:Environmental Microbiology; D005260:Female; D007076:Iguanas; D008297:Male; D012475:Salmonella / Q000145:classification / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D012481:Salmonella Infections, Animal / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000635:transmission; D012703:Serotyping / Q000662:veterinary