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Reptile-associated salmonellosis in New York State
D M Ackman1, P Drabkin, G Birkhead
1Bureau of Communicable Disease Control, New York State Department of Health, Albany 12237, USA.
The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|November 1, 1995
Summary
Reptile ownership is linked to salmonellosis from specific Salmonella serotypes. Infants are particularly vulnerable, suggesting reptiles may be unsuitable pets for households with young children.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Salmonellosis is a significant public health concern.
- Reptiles are known carriers of Salmonella bacteria.
- The association between reptile ownership and specific Salmonella serotypes requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the association between reptile ownership and salmonellosis caused by specific Salmonella serotypes.
- To assess the risk of salmonellosis transmission from reptiles to humans.
Main Methods:
- A matched case-control study was conducted using 1993 New York State Salmonella case reports.
- Cases were identified with Salmonella serotypes commonly found in reptiles.
- Controls were selected from shigellosis cases, matched for age and diagnosis date.
Main Results:
- Four percent of Salmonella case reports indicated reptile exposure.
- Twelve of 24 case patients (50%) owned reptiles, compared to 2 of 28 controls (7%).
- Reptile ownership was associated with a matched odds ratio of 6.6 (95% CI, 1.4–31.0).
- Ten case patients owned iguanas.
- Most reptile-associated cases (10/12) were in infants under six months old.
Conclusions:
- Salmonellosis caused by certain serotypes is significantly associated with reptile exposure.
- Reptiles, particularly iguanas, may pose a risk for salmonellosis transmission.
- Reptiles may not be suitable pets for homes with infants due to the risk of infection.