Aim: The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of Salmonella spp. from pet red-footed tortoises from Grenada, and to test for antimicrobial drug resistance of isolates.
Materials and Methods: After explaining the merits and methodology of the research, written consent from the owners of tortoises was obtained, who agreed to participate in the research. Fecal samples were obtained from 114 tortoises from five parishes of Grenada, and cultured for Salmonella bacteria using enrichment and selective culture techniques. Serology of isolated Salmonella cultures was performed at the OIE Salmonella Reference Laboratory, Guelph, Ontario, Canada. The isolates were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility in Microbiology Laboratory of the School of Veterinary Medicine, St. Georges University, Grenada.
Results: Fifteen tortoises (13.2%) out of 114 were positive for Salmonella spp. Five serovars were identified: S. Javiana (6.3%), S. Rubislaw (6.3%), S. Saintpaul (18.75%), S. Glostrup (6.3%), and S. Rough (62.5%). All isolates were sensitive to the 12 antimicrobial drugs.
Conclusion: Three serovars (S. Javiana, S. Saintpaul, and S. Rubislaw) are known pathogens causing disease in humans. Since tortoises included in the study were pets, they may be a possible source of infection to their owners. The tortoise owners should be educated on importance of hygienic raising of their pets. This is the first report of isolation of Salmonella spp. from pet Red-footed tortoises in Grenada.
Key words: Salmonella species, Red-footed tortoises, Antimicrobial susceptibility, Grenada.
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