Bacterial Infections in Sea Turtles.

Area of Science:

• Marine Biology
• Ecology
• Microbiology
• One Health

Background:

• Sea turtles are crucial for marine and beach ecosystems.
• They are endangered by human activities, climate change, pollution, and temperature increase.
• Infectious and parasitic diseases can further reduce sea turtle populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of bacteria in sea turtle health.
• To identify potentially zoonotic bacteria in sea turtles.
• To highlight the One Health implications of bacterial infections in sea turtles.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on bacterial pathogens in sea turtles.
• Identification of bacterial species known to infect sea turtles.
• Assessment of zoonotic potential and antimicrobial resistance.

Main Results:

• Bacteria are common in marine environments and can be primary or opportunistic pathogens for sea turtles.
• Known zoonotic bacteria like Chlamydiae, Mycobacteria, and Salmonellae affect sea turtles, other animals, and humans.
• Other potentially zoonotic bacteria, including antimicrobial-resistant strains, are implicated in sea turtle pathologies.

Conclusions:

• Bacterial diseases in sea turtles represent a One Health concern due to zoonotic potential.
• Human contact with sea turtles or their environment can lead to disease transmission.
• Further research is needed to understand and manage bacterial threats to sea turtle conservation and public health.