Search

Non-typhoidal salmonellosis is an important cause of acute diarrhea in children. Generally they are acquired by consumption of contaminated food, but contact with reptiles is an increasing cause of this zoonoses. We describe three pediatric cases of gastroenteritis by Salmonella (Montevideo, Newport and Pomona), related to having turtles as pets. In two cases, the bacteria were isolated from the patient's stools and the turtle's droppings. The same genetic subtype by PFGE was obtained in both isolates. All the children recovered. Information and public health measures should be undertaken to control this zoonoses which affects young children.

Salmonellosis is usually related to food poisoning however other possible causes such as reptile exposure are often unrecognised. The aim of this study is to describe a case of salmonella infection related to pet exposure. After a salmonella infection in an eleven month old baby was reported to our public health agency, an epidemiological investigation took place. Despite all family members had had clinical symptoms suggesting salmonella infection none of the microbiological analysis was positive. At the infant's home they had an exotic pet: a turtle. We found out that Salmonella was present in a sample of water of its aquarium. Both profiles of S. parathyphi B (from the infant and from the aquaria samples) were identical. Exotic pets are not often recognized as Salmonella infection carriers and vehicles in Europe. As described in this study, an inaccurate hygiene after touching turtles or its habitat can lead to spread salmonella infection in humans. When investigating Salmonella infection exposure to exotic pets has to be addressed. People that have or wish to have a turtle or any other reptile should be informed about its risks. Nursing role is most important in the surveillance and study of such cases., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier España, S.L. All rights reserved.)

Cloacal and nasal bacterial flora of Lepidochelys olivacea (Testudines: Cheloniidae) from the North Pacific coast of Costa Rica. The aerobic cloacal and nasal bacterial flora of 45 apparently healthy female olive ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) was studied at Nancite nesting beach, in Santa Rosa National Park (Costa Rican North Pacific) during July and August 2002. Bacterial samples were obtained by inserting sterile swabs directly into the cloaca and the nasal cavities of the turtles. Ninety-nine aerobic bacterial isolates, including 10 Gram-negative and 5 Gram-positive bacteria, were recovered. The most common bacteria cultured were Aeromonas spp. (13/45) and Citrobacter freundi (6/45) from cloacal samples and Bacillus spp. (32/45), Staphylococcus aureus (6/45) and Corynebacterium spp. (5/45) from nasal ducts. The results of the present study showed that the aerobic bacterial flora of nesting female olive ridleys was composed of several potential human and animal microbe pathogens.