Burkholderia pseudomallei isolates in 2 pet iguanas, California, USA

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Herpetology

Background:

• Melioidosis is a serious infectious disease caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei.
• Green iguanas are popular exotic pets, frequently traded internationally.
• The pathogen Burkholderia pseudomallei is endemic in tropical regions but can be introduced elsewhere.

Observation:

• Two pet green iguanas in California presented with abscesses.
• Burkholderia pseudomallei was successfully isolated from these abscesses.
• This marks the first reported isolation of the pathogen from green iguanas in the USA.

Findings:

• Confirms green iguanas can act as hosts for Burkholderia pseudomallei.
• Demonstrates the potential for asymptomatic carriage and shedding of the pathogen in reptiles.
• Suggests a possible route for pathogen introduction into non-endemic areas via the pet trade.

Implications:

• Highlights the zoonotic potential of Burkholderia pseudomallei through exotic pets.
• Underscores the need for veterinary surveillance and biosecurity measures in the exotic pet trade.
• Informs public health strategies to prevent melioidosis transmission from imported reptiles.