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Human salmonellosis associated with exotic pets
D L Woodward1, R Khakhria, W M Johnson
1National Laboratory for Enteric Pathogens, Laboratory Centre for Disease Control, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. david_woodward@inet.hwc.ca
Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|November 14, 1997
Summary
Exotic pets like turtles can transmit Salmonella to humans, posing a public health risk. Increased cases of salmonellosis linked to exotic pets highlight the need for awareness and control measures.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Salmonellosis is a significant public health concern in Canada, with over 20,000 cases annually.
- A history of pet turtle-associated salmonellosis led to import bans in 1975.
- Reptile-associated salmonellosis is emerging as a resurgent disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the increase in laboratory-confirmed human salmonellosis cases linked to exotic pets in Canada between 1994 and 1996.
- To identify specific Salmonella serotypes associated with exotic pet exposure.
Main Methods:
- Observational study analyzing laboratory-confirmed human salmonellosis cases.
- Data collection on cases associated with exotic pets, including iguanas, turtles, sugar gliders, and hedgehogs.
- Identification and serotyping of Salmonella isolates from affected patients.
Main Results:
- An increase in human salmonellosis cases linked to exotic pets was observed from 1994 to 1996.
- An estimated 3-5% of human salmonellosis cases are associated with exotic pet exposure.
- Various Salmonella serotypes, including S. java, S. stanley, and S. poona, were identified in isolates from patients exposed to exotic pets.
Conclusions:
- Exotic pets represent a notable source of human Salmonella infections.
- The resurgence of reptile-associated salmonellosis necessitates ongoing surveillance and public health interventions.
- Specific Salmonella serotypes are frequently associated with particular exotic pets.