[Reptile-associated salmonellosis as an important epidemiological problem]

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Immunology
• Public Health

Background:

• Reptiles are common pets and reservoirs for Salmonella bacteria.
• Reptile-associated salmonellosis (RAS) poses a significant risk, especially to infants, young children, and immunocompromised individuals.
• Salmonella O48 strains, characterized by sialic acid in their lipopolysaccharide (LPS), are linked to severe infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the public health threat of reptile-associated salmonellosis (RAS).
• To discuss the role of Salmonella O48 strains with sialic acid in immune evasion and virulence.
• To emphasize the lack of monitoring and public awareness regarding RAS in Poland.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of Salmonella strains in reptiles and associated human infections.
• Analysis of the immunological properties of Salmonella O48 lipopolysaccharide (LPS) containing sialic acid (NeuAc).
• Comparison of RAS prevalence data from the USA and Europe, noting the absence of Polish data.

Main Results:

• Reptile-derived Salmonella strains, particularly O48, can cause severe human infections like bloody diarrhea, meningitis, arthritis, bacteremia, and sepsis.
• Salmonella O48 LPS containing NeuAc engages in molecular mimicry, evading host immune responses and increasing virulence.
• RAS cases are increasingly reported in Europe, but Poland lacks specific monitoring and public health campaigns.

Conclusions:

• Reptile-associated salmonellosis is a growing public health concern, exacerbated by specific bacterial strains like Salmonella O48.
• The presence of sialic acid in Salmonella LPS contributes to virulence through molecular mimicry and immune evasion.
• There is an urgent need for RAS surveillance and public education in Poland and potentially other European countries.