Salmonella serotypes isolated in geckos kept in seven collections in southern Italy.

OBJECTIVES

Reptiles are considered an important reservoir of Salmonella species. This study evaluated the prevalence of Salmonella species in different species of gecko kept as pets in Italy.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Faecal swab samples were collected from 70 clinically healthy geckos and examined for Salmonella species by culture that were then serotyped.

RESULTS

Salmonella species were isolated from 24 of 70 (34·3%) samples. Eighteen isolates expressed resistance to ceftazidime and four isolates to ampicillin.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Salmonella spp. can be isolated from apparently healthy captive gecko which should be considered as a potential source of infection for humans and other companion animals.