Carriage of Yersinia species by snails (Achachatina marginata): an epidemiological survey.

Three Yersinia species Yersinia enterocolitica, serogroup 0:9, Yersinia intermedia, serogroup 0:52.54 and Yersinia fredricksenii, serogroup 0:44.45 were experimentally inoculated into 249 giant African snails, Achachatina marginata, and the rate of recovery, as well as change (loss or gain) in weight determined. Results obtained showed that there was a high recovery rate of the inoculated Yersinia serogroups. Also, the snails showed loss in weight which increased with increase in recovery rate. No death of the infected snail was recorded. This study has revealed that snails (Achachatina marginata) could be potential carriers of Yersinia spp. and may therefore, play a role in the epidemiology of yersiniosis in our environment.