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Turtle-associated Salmonella septicaemia and meningitis in a 2-month-old baby

Eva Van Meervenne1, Nadine Botteldoorn2, Sophie Lokietek3

  • 1NRC Salmonella, Section of Bacteriology, Scientific Institute of Public Health, Brussels, Belgium.

Journal of Medical Microbiology
|June 17, 2009
PubMed

Insights

A baby developed severe salmonellosis, including septicaemia and meningitis, from a pet turtle. The rare Salmonella Abony serotype was identified in both the infant and the reptile, highlighting public health risks.

Area of Science:

  • Zoonotic diseases
  • Infectious disease epidemiology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Reptiles are known carriers of Salmonella bacteria.
  • Salmonellosis can cause severe illness in infants.
  • Public health awareness regarding reptile-associated infections is crucial.

Observation:

  • A 2-month-old infant presented with severe septicaemia and meningitis.
  • The infant had a pet turtle.
  • The infrequent Salmonella enterica subsp.(I) enterica serotype Abony was isolated.

Findings:

  • The same rare Salmonella Abony serotype was detected in both the infant's clinical sample and the pet turtle's faeces.
  • This case confirms reptile-to-human transmission of a specific Salmonella serotype.
  • The identified serotype (4,5 : b : enx) is uncommon.

Implications:

  • Highlights the potential for severe infant illness from reptile-associated Salmonella.
  • Underscores the need for stringent regulations on reptile ownership and handling.
  • Emphasizes the importance of public awareness campaigns to prevent zoonotic infections.

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