Surveys on Pet-Reptile-Associated Multi-Drug-Resistant Salmonella spp. in the Timișoara Metropolitan Region-Western Romania

Virulence determinants and antibiotic resistance in staphylococci isolated from the skin of captive bred reptiles

Knowledge of the composition and properties of skin microbiota in healthy reptiles is essential for preservation strategies and thus the prevention of skin dysbiosis leading to dermatological diseases. Despite the greatly increasing popularity of reptiles as pets, only a few studies have dealt with this topic. Therefore, the aim of this work was to analyse species composition of bacteria isolated from skin swabs of 40 reptiles (17 species) using MALDI-TOF spectrometry and to characterise the virulence properties of identified staphylococci (n = 51). The most common species were Staphylococcus xylosus and S. sciuri. Bacilli, enterococci, Escherichia coli, Salmonella sp. and Acinetobacter sp. were also common. The most frequent antimicrobial resistance in staphylococcal isolates was observed for ampicillin (100.0%) and cefoxitin (98.0%) with the blaZ gene being most prevalent (58.8%). In contrast, all staphylococci were susceptible to gentamicin, kanamycin and imipenem. Slime and biofilm production was observed in 86.3% and 76.5% of isolates, respectively. Gelatinase, DNase, protease and lipase activity was found more rarely (41.2%; 25.5%; 27.5% and 21.6%). Since reptiles are a reservoir of bacteria for their owners, common multi-drug resistance (84.3%, MAR index average 0.29 ± 0.09) and biofilm formation must be kept in mind, especially in the case of injury when handling reptiles.

Minimal zoonotic risk of cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis from frogs and reptiles

The zoonotic potential of the protist parasites Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in amphibians and reptiles raises public health concerns due to their growing popularity as pets. This review examines the prevalence and diversity of these parasites in wild and captive amphibians and reptiles to better understand the zoonotic risk. Research on Giardia in both groups is limited, and zoonotic forms of Cryptosporidium or Giardia have not been reported in amphibians. Host-adapted Cryptosporidium species dominate in reptiles, albeit some reptiles have been found to carry zoonotic (C. hominis and C. parvum) and rodent-associated (C. tyzzeri, C. muris and C. andersoni) species, primarily through mechanical carriage. Similarly, the limited reports of Giardia duodenalis (assemblages A, B and E) in reptiles may also be due to mechanical carriage. Thus, the available evidence indicates minimal zoonotic risk associated with these organisms in wild and captive frogs and reptiles. The exact transmission routes for these infections within reptile populations remain poorly understood, particularly regarding the importance of mechanical carriage. Although the risk appears minimal, continued research and surveillance efforts are necessary to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the transmission dynamics and ultimately improve our ability to safeguard human and animal health.

Occurrence, Antimicrobial Resistance, and Virulence Profiles of Salmonella Serovars Isolated from Wild Reptiles in South Africa

Reptiles are carriers of an array of microorganisms, including significant zoonotic bacteria of the genus Salmonella, which cause a disease referred to as salmonellosis that affects both animals and humans. This study investigated the occurrence of Salmonella serovars in wild reptiles at Timbavati Private Game Reserve in Limpopo Province, South Africa, and examined their virulence and antimicrobial resistance gene profiles. A total of 19 wild reptiles were sampled, which resulted in 30 presumptive Salmonella isolates. The isolates were identified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) by amplifying the invA gene and were further confirmed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Salmonella serovars were detected in chameleons (36.8%), lizards (31.6%), snakes (15.8%), and tortoises (15.8%). The use of 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Salamae (30%), S. enterica subsp. enterica (16.7%), S. enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium (13.3%), and S. enterica subsp. enterica serovar Indiana (13.3%) were the four most common subspecies among the investigated 30 isolates. Detected virulence genes included pagN (100%), hilA (96.7%), ssrB (96.7%), prgH (86.7%), and marT (86.7%). The isolates exhibited resistance to nalidixic acid (43.3%) and kanamycin (43.3%), followed by streptomycin (16.7%) and ciprofloxacin (3.3%). Antibiotic-resistant genes were detected as follows: strA, strB, qnrA, qnrS, parC, aadA, aac(6')-Ib, and aac(6')-Ib-cr at 33.3%, 6.7%, 16.7, 13.3%, 10%, 23.3%, 6.7%, and 10%, respectively. The findings highlight the necessity of educational initiatives aimed at reducing reptile-related infections. Effective antibiotic treatment appears promising for infection, given the minimal drug resistance observed in reptile Salmonella serovars in the current study.