Isolation of Burkholderia pseudomallei from a Pet Green Iguana, Belgium

Abstract

We isolated Burkholderia pseudomallei, the causative agent of melioidosis, from liver granulomas of a pet green iguana (Iguana iguana) in Belgium. This case highlights a risk for imported green iguanas acting as a reservoir for introduction of this high-threat, zoonotic pathogen into nonendemic regions.

Keywords

• Burkholderia pseudomallei
• bacteria
• Iguana iguana
• green iguana
• granulomatous hepatitis
• melioidosis