Reptile Exposure in Human Salmonellosis Cases and Salmonella Serotypes Isolated from Reptiles, Ontario, Canada, 2015–2022

 

Reptile Exposure in Human Salmonellosis Cases and Salmonella Serotypes Isolated from Reptiles, Ontario, Canada, 2015–2022

Abstract

Reptile-associated outbreaks of human Salmonella infections are increasing in Canada, coinciding with a rise in the popularity of reptiles as pets. We conducted a retrospective analysis of surveillance data for human Salmonella case-patients in Ontario during 2015–2022. We compared serotypes and reptile types for those reporting domestic reptile or amphibian exposure with veterinary Salmonella isolates reported during the same period. Case-patients commonly reported contact with reptile types from which Salmonella was most frequently isolated. Some serotypes from human case-patients were closely associated with contact with specific reptile types, including Salmonella Paratyphi B biovar Java (Salmonella Paratyphi B variant L (+) tartrate +) with snakes, Salmonella Agbeni with turtles, and Salmonella Cotham, Salmonella Chester, and Salmonella Tennessee with bearded dragons. Salmonella was most likely to be reported from reptiles fed a carnivorous diet. Education of reptile owners could help promote proper veterinary care and reduce transmission of zoonotic infections.

Paphitis, K., Reid, A., Golightly, H. R., Adams, J. A., Corbeil, A., Majury, A....McClinchey, H. (2025). Reptile Exposure in Human Salmonellosis Cases and Salmonella Serotypes Isolated from Reptiles, Ontario, Canada, 2015–2022. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 31(10), 1912-1921. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid3110.241803.