Pet reptiles as potential reservoir of Campylobacter species with zoonotic potential

Context Campylobacteriosis is a public health concern worldwide and several Campylobacter species have been associated with the disease in people. Companion animal ownership has been shown to be associated with an elevated risk of Campylobacter infection, but little is known about Campylobacter in pet reptiles. Main conclusion The present study reports the isolation of Campylobacter hyointestinalis from reptiles. Pet reptiles could be potential reservoirs of Campylobacter fetus and C hyointestinalis and thus a source of infection for people. Approach During 2011, a total of 109 cloacal swabs were collected from captive reptiles (including 49 chelonians, 15 lizards and 45 snakes) kept in a zoo (42 animals) and in private households (67 animals) in northern Italy, in order to assess the presence of Campylobacter species. Campylobacters were isolated and identified by PCR. Results Eight (7.3 per cent) reptiles tested positive for C fetus subspecies fetus or C hyointestinalis subspecies hyointestinalis. C fetus subspecies fetus was isolated from four chelonians (one Chelydra serpentina and three Testudo hermanni hermanni) and one lizard (Tupinambis rufescens). C hyointestinalis subspecies hyointestinalis was isolated from one chelonian (Geochelone sulcata) and two lizards (Iguana iguana). All snakes tested negative. Interpretation The Campylobacter species isolated in the present study are known to be pathogenic to people. C fetus is reported to cause gastroenteritis, septicaemia and disseminated infections. C hyointestinalis has been isolated from both animals and people and has been shown to be the cause of human gastroenteritis and septicaemia. C fetus colonisation has previously been reported in human-raised and pet shop reptiles. Significance of findings In contrast to other pet species, there is no perception of reptiles as potential shedders and spreaders of Campylobacter. The results of the present study suggest that the risk of acquiring Campylobacter infection should be considered when keeping reptiles as companion animals. Further research is needed to better understand the distribution of C fetus and C hyointestinalis, their excretion rate in reptiles and their pathogenic potential for humans.