Occurrence of antibiotic resistant Salmonella spp in tortoises and turtles

Abdul Aziz, Noorazrena (2008) Occurrence of antibiotic resistant Salmonella spp in tortoises and turtles. [Project Paper] (Submitted)

Text lp FPV 2008 28.pdf Download (1MB)

Abstract

The popularity of reptiles as pets and exhibit animals in zoological gardens continues to increase in many countries worldwide including Malaysia. Pet reptiles include snakes, iguanas, lizards, tortoises and turtles. The objectives of the study were to determine the occurrence of Salmonella spp in tortoises and turtles and to determine the antimicrobial pattern of Salmonella isolates against six antibiotics namely ampicillin, enrofloxacin, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, streptomycin, and erythromycin. A total of 90 cloacal samples from chelonians (turtles and tortoises) were collected from a number of recreational parks, aquarium shops and individual owners for isolation and identification of Salmonella spp. A total of 15 water samples were collected from turtle aquariums, from a number of recreational parks, aquarium shops and individual owners. Fifteen (33.3%) of the turtles, 10(22.2%) tortoises and 7(46.7%) water samples were positive for the presence of Salmonella. Of the 32 isolates, 84.4% showed multiple-resistance while 15.6% demonstrated resistance to one antibiotic. The isolates showed thirteen antibiotic resistance patterns. The highest resistance rate was towards erythromycin (81%), followed by streptomycin (78%), ampicillin (56%), enrofloxacin (25%), ciprofloxacin (22%) and tetracycline (16%). The presence of multiple resistant Salmonella poses potential danger to chelonians handlers, owners and public. The emergence of antimicrobial resistant bacteria was possibly because of the overuse or misuse in not only human medicine but also veterinary medicine and from ‘contaminated’ environment. The Salmonella serotypes identified in this study were S. newport, S. pomona, S. typhimurium, S. tenessee, S. arizona, S. brezany and S. corcallis. The high percentage of Salmonella in turtles and tortoises in this study showed a potential risk for transmission of Salmonella to humans. Since Salmonella infections can be fatal in humans especially those with immature or weakened immune systems, it has been recommended that persons at high risk of Salmonella infection should avoid contact with this pet reptile. In addition, recommendations to reduce the risk of transmission of Salmonella to humans from such animals should be made. Vets and pet storeowners should provide information to purchasers and owners about the increased risk of acquiring salmonellosis from pet chelonians. Reducing the potential risk of contracting Salmonella infections from exotic pets is a measure of responsible ownership, public awareness and education.

Item Type:	Project Paper
Faculty:	Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
Depositing User:	Ms Siti Mariam Giman
Date Deposited:	21 Jun 2022 01:28
Last Modified:	22 Jun 2022 05:55
URI:	http://psaspb.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/307

Actions (login required)

View Item