Fatal Salmonella Associated With Pet Iguana

The following article was obtained from PROMED-AHEAD List Serve by Martin Hugh-Jones on February 3, 1996 via the Internet.

(Source: ex AP report in Times Union (Albany, NY)2/2/96, p. A-10). A three-week-old boy died in Rochester, Indiana in October 1995 of Salmonella, Poona strain. The same strain was isolated from the family's pet iguana, which has been destroyed. A county health official said infection was probably due to someone handling the iguana and then the baby.

The US Fish and Wildlife Service says that the number of imported iguanas has increased from 27,806 in 1986 to 798,405 in 1993. and 90% of them carry "some strain of intestinal bacteria." Snakes, turtles and other lizards are also risky pets for the same reason. In 1994 and 1995 health officials in 13 states reported cases of infection with unusual strains of salmonella that were traced back to reptiles.

For people with immature or weakened immune systems, such as babies, pregnant women, the elderly, or those with AIDS, infection can be fatal. -Moderator JW.

I have prepared some specific answers to questions regarding Reptile-Associated Salmonella as posed on this list by Kathleen Harper.

1. All reptiles may be considered carriers of salmonella.

2. There is no point in culturing it unless you are trying to prove a link between a human case and the animal.

3. It is a harmless commensal in the gut of reptiles and is essential in herbivorous animals such as iguanas which employ hind gut fermentation.

4. It should never be treated in reptiles. This is a waste of time, money and could harm the animal. In addition, it can result in the proliferation of antibiotic resistent strains.

5. The best way to prevent infection is to follow strict handwashing and other hygenicprocedures in the care and handling of such animals.  Small children, pregnant women, immunocompromised people for any reason should not handle or come in contact with reptiles; people in contact with reptiles and such high risk individuals can cany the infection to them so reptile handlers must be particularly careful about disinfecting and handwashing after handling any reptile.

The website mentioned earlier contains information on reptile-associated salmonellosisincluding a list of categories at higher than usual risk (newborns are on it) of more serious infection, methods to prevent and contain the infection in pet reptiles as well as general information concerning the natural history of Salmonella in this group of animals. You may want to obtain a copy of this document to help answer questions or prepare for any responses you intend to give to the public.

Numerous   cases   of   reptile-associated salmonellosis have been reported to us by a number of state health departments but few deaths have been documented.