Antibiotic-Resistant Salmonella, isolated from cloacal swab samples from turtles in Guatemala

Abstract

Salmonellosis is a relevant public health threat worldwide. Reptiles are commonly involved in cases in humans. A microbiological survey was conducted from August to October 2018 to isolate Salmonella bacteria and look for antibiotic-resistant isolates in pet turtles of five species (Kinosternon sp., Rhinoclemmys sp., Staurotypus sp., Trachemys scripta y T. venusta) in Guatemala City and San Lucas Sacatepéquez. Cloacal swabs were taken from 63 turtle individuals and cultivated in the Microbiology Laboratory at the Veterinary Medicine Faculty, University of San Carlos of Guatemala. Three samples were positive to the presence of Salmonella sp. One of these isolates (from Trachemys scripta) was resistant to Gentamicin, Penicillin and Amikacin, other isolate (from T. scripta) was partially resistant to Amoxicilin+Clavulanic Acid and Penicillin and other (from T. venusta) to Penicillin. These findings highlight the need for better biosecurity practices and show the capacity of bacteria to develop survival strategies that involve resistance to harmful substances like antibiotics. Key words: Salmonellosis, public health, epidemiology, zoonoses, multiresistant gram negative bacteria.