title: Detection of Campylobacter jejuni in Lizard Faeces from Central Australia Using Quantitative PCR.
abstract: Worldwide,Campylobacteris a significant cause of gastrointestinal illness. It is predominately considered a foodborne pathogen, with human exposure via non-food transmission routes generally overlooked. Current literature has been exploring environmental reservoirs of campylobacteriosis including potential wildlife reservoirs. Given the close proximity between lizards and human habitats in Central Australia, this study examined the presence ofCampylobacter jejunifrom lizard faeces collected from this region. Of the 51 samples collected, 17 (33%) (this included 14/46 (30%) wild and 3/5 (60%) captive lizard samples) were positive forC. jejuniusing quantitative PCR (qPCR). This was the first study to investigate the presence ofC. jejuniin Australian lizards. This has public health implications regarding the risk of campylobacteriosis from handling of pet reptiles and through cross-contamination or contact with wild lizard faeces. Additionally this has implication for horizontal transmission via lizards ofC. jejunito food production farms. Further research is needed on this environmental reservoir and potential transmission routes to reduce the risk to public health.
authors.affiliation: Health and the Environment, School of the Environment, Flinders University, GPO BOX 2100, Adelaide 5001, Australia. Harriet.Whiley@flinders.edu.au.
authors.forename: Harriet
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Whiley
authors.affiliation: Health and the Environment, School of the Environment, Flinders University, GPO BOX 2100, Adelaide 5001, Australia. ryansmclean@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Ryan
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: McLean
authors.affiliation: Health and the Environment, School of the Environment, Flinders University, GPO BOX 2100, Adelaide 5001, Australia. Kirstin.Ross@flinders.edu.au.
authors.forename: Kirstin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ross
keywords: Campylobacter jejuni; Campylobacter spp.; campylobacteriosis; environmental reservoir; lizard; public health; reptile