Lab Anim Res.  2016 Sep;32(3):166-170. 10.5625/lar.2016.32.3.166.

Prevalence of Salmonella spp. in pet turtles and their environment

• Back DS
• Shin GW
• Wendt M
• Heo GJ

• KMID: 2353592
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5625/lar.2016.32.3.166

Abstract

Pet turtles are known as a source of Salmonella infection to humans when handled in captivity. Thirty four turtles purchased from pet shops and online markets in Korea were examined to determine whether the turtles and their environment were contaminated with Salmonella spp. Salmonella spp. were isolated from fecal samples of 17 turtles. These isolates were identified as S. enterica through 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The isolation rate of Salmonella spp. from the soil and water samples increased over time. We concluded that a high percentage of turtles being sold in pet shops were infected with Salmonella spp., and their environments tend to become contaminated over time unless they are maintained properly. These results indicate that pet turtles could be a potential risk of salmonellosis in Korea.

Keyword

Prevalence; pet turtles; environment; Salmonella spp.; salmonellosis

MeSH Terms

Genes, rRNA
Humans
Korea
Prevalence*
Salmonella Infections
Salmonella*
Soil
Turtles*
Water
Soil
Water

Figure

• 

  Figure 1 Number of the turtle's cages isolated Salmonella spp. from water and soil samples increased over time

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