Salmonella spp. and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli prevalence in an ocellated lizard (Timon lepidus) research center in Spain.

The aim of this work was to study the epidemiological status of Salmonella spp. and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in an ocellated lizard research center focusing on the risk and hygiene aspects. Fecal and environmental samples were collected and examined for Salmonella spp. and STEC. Isolates were detected using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and characterized using serotyping and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Overall, 52% of samples were positive for Salmonella spp. using RT-PCR and seven isolates were obtained from samples from ocellated lizards and their environment, whereas no samples were positive for STEC. Salmonella isolates belonged to S. enterica subsp. enterica serovar Kibusi and S. enterica subsp. salamae serovars 41:z10:z6 and 18:z10:z6, some of which have previously been isolated from human sources. Indistinguishable and closely related PFGE types were found, which supported the existence of horizontal transmission between animals due to crowding of animals and the persistence of Salmonella in the environment. The results of the current study emphasize the need for improved prevention efforts and good hygiene practices in research centers, recuperation centers, and zoos with reptiles to minimize the exposure of personnel and visitors to this pathogen.