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Prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of Salmonella in European pond turtles (Emys orbicularis) from Gorgan, Golestan Province
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S. Namroodi *   , H. Staji |
| Department of Environmental sciences, Faculty of fisheries and environmental Sciences, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran. |
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Abstract: (8 Views) |
| Salmonella spp., the causative agents of salmonellosis, can cause severe illness in immunocompromised warm-blooded animals. European pond turtles (Emys orbicularis), common in freshwater habitats of rural Golestan Province, Iran, may act as asymptomatic reservoirs of Salmonella. Fecal samples from 105 turtles were collected using sterile swabs for detection of Salmonella via conventional culture and PCR. Positive samples underwent serotyping, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed against 14 commonly used antibiotics in human and veterinary medicine. The overall prevalence of Salmonella was 16.6%, with females showing a higher infection rate (18%) than males (14.5%). Juvenile turtles (<1 year) exhibited the highest prevalence. Seasonal variation was significant, with increased infections in summer versus spring. Identified serotypes included S. Typhimurium (41.1%), S. Enteritidis (29.4%), S. Dublin (11.7%), S. Arizonae (5.8%), and S. Houtenae (5.8%). Antimicrobial resistance varied by serotype, showing highest resistance to enrofloxacin and lowest to gentamicin. The presence of zoonotic Salmonella serotypes highlights the turtles’ role in pathogen persistence and transmission in the region. Public health interventions, including hygiene education for turtle handling, proper husbandry, and safe water and food practices, are essential to mitigate zoonotic risk, especially for children. |
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| Keywords: Salmonella, European pond turtle, transmission, Golestan, Iran |
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Full-Text [PDF 396 kb]
(4 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2025/02/6
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