JordanAng420
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ZOONOSES 101 by Maia Goldworm
The #1 cause of disease transmission between reptiles and humans is poor hygiene, usually resulting in fecal (reptile) - oral (human) transmission. Humans that are particularly at risk for most zoonoses include people that are immunosuppressed or immunocompromised, kids 5 years and under, elderly people, and people with chronic disease that compromise their immune system. Also, people on immunosuppresive therapy (chemo) are at a risk. Herpetologists and hobbyists such as ourselves may be at a greater risk with exposure to more reptiles and species than the owner of a single pet. With that said, estimates of reptiles harboring Salmonella have been reported as high as 83% - 94 % depending on the method of testing. Salmonella spp. are gram-negative straight rod bacteria. There are more than 2400 serotypes in existance. Although the general public is aware of the relationship between turtles and Salmonella, they are not as well informed about the connection between other species of reptiles. In 1990, 2 cases of infant deaths were linked to pet iguana Salmonella. They came from different pet stores and different wholesale suppliers. In the first case, the 3 month old had diarrhea and fever, and was hospitalized for 20 days with diarrhea before he died from Salmonella. After cultures of the household water, area, and tank, the culture from the stool of the indoor iguana yielded Salmonella. In the SECOND case, a 12 day old newborn was affected. After culturing his stool at his Dr. office, the sample showed Salmonella. After 10 days, it resolved with antibiotics; however, cultures remained positive for 7 months, and the infant ended up passing away. The only indoor pet was an indoor iguana...stool culture from him was negative for Salmonella, but the cage surfaces had it. The infants mother said she washed her hands after feeding the iguana and cleaning it's cage. Direct contact with the reptile does not appear to be necessary for transmission. The Salmonella public health precautions should be extended to cover all reptiles, and your vet has the responsibility for educating the reptile owner. I'll see if I can find a good link or type up some good information regarding zoonoses in general for everyone. This topic is not taken as seriously as it should be.
Added: You are potentially exposing yourself to fecal - oral contamination by kissing your reptile. It's up to you if you want to be anthropomorphic enough to have to kiss your reptiles.
The #1 cause of disease transmission between reptiles and humans is poor hygiene, usually resulting in fecal (reptile) - oral (human) transmission. Humans that are particularly at risk for most zoonoses include people that are immunosuppressed or immunocompromised, kids 5 years and under, elderly people, and people with chronic disease that compromise their immune system. Also, people on immunosuppresive therapy (chemo) are at a risk. Herpetologists and hobbyists such as ourselves may be at a greater risk with exposure to more reptiles and species than the owner of a single pet. With that said, estimates of reptiles harboring Salmonella have been reported as high as 83% - 94 % depending on the method of testing. Salmonella spp. are gram-negative straight rod bacteria. There are more than 2400 serotypes in existance. Although the general public is aware of the relationship between turtles and Salmonella, they are not as well informed about the connection between other species of reptiles. In 1990, 2 cases of infant deaths were linked to pet iguana Salmonella. They came from different pet stores and different wholesale suppliers. In the first case, the 3 month old had diarrhea and fever, and was hospitalized for 20 days with diarrhea before he died from Salmonella. After cultures of the household water, area, and tank, the culture from the stool of the indoor iguana yielded Salmonella. In the SECOND case, a 12 day old newborn was affected. After culturing his stool at his Dr. office, the sample showed Salmonella. After 10 days, it resolved with antibiotics; however, cultures remained positive for 7 months, and the infant ended up passing away. The only indoor pet was an indoor iguana...stool culture from him was negative for Salmonella, but the cage surfaces had it. The infants mother said she washed her hands after feeding the iguana and cleaning it's cage. Direct contact with the reptile does not appear to be necessary for transmission. The Salmonella public health precautions should be extended to cover all reptiles, and your vet has the responsibility for educating the reptile owner. I'll see if I can find a good link or type up some good information regarding zoonoses in general for everyone. This topic is not taken as seriously as it should be.
Added: You are potentially exposing yourself to fecal - oral contamination by kissing your reptile. It's up to you if you want to be anthropomorphic enough to have to kiss your reptiles.
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