Detection of Campylobacter jejuni in Lizard Faeces from Central Australia Using Quantitative PCR

Abstract

Worldwide, Campylobacter is a significant cause of gastrointestinal illness. It is predominately considered a foodborne pathogen, with human exposure via non-food transmission routes generally overlooked. Current literature has been exploring environmental reservoirs of campylobacteriosis including potential wildlife reservoirs. Given the close proximity between lizards and human habitats in Central Australia, this study examined the presence of Campylobacter jejuni from lizard faeces collected from this region. Of the 51 samples collected, 17 (33%) (this included 14/46 (30%) wild and 3/5 (60%) captive lizard samples) were positive for C. jejuni using quantitative PCR (qPCR). This was the first study to investigate the presence of C. jejuni in Australian lizards. This has public health implications regarding the risk of campylobacteriosis from handling of pet reptiles and through cross-contamination or contact with wild lizard faeces. Additionally this has implication for horizontal transmission via lizards of C. jejuni to food production farms. Further research is needed on this environmental reservoir and potential transmission routes to reduce the risk to public health.

Zoonotic and Public Health Implications of Campylobacter Species and Squamates (Lizards, Snakes and Amphisbaenians)

“…[ 39 ]. The common lizard hosts identified included bearded dragons ( Pogona vitticeps ) [ 34 , 40 ], western beaked gecko (Rhynchoedura odura) [ 34 ], Hydrosaurus pustulatus [ 41 ], green iguana (Iguana iguana ) [ 42 ], Pogona henrilawsonii, Sauromalus ater, Hemitheconyx caudicinctus [ 43 ] and blotched blue-tongued skink (Tiliqua nigrolutea) [ 44 , 45 ]. Five snake species were also identified namely; Heterodon nasicus , Orthriophis taeniurus, Boa constrictor, Python reticulatus [ 45 ] and Morelia amethistina [ 32 ].…”

“…With human–wildlife interactions becoming more common, the likelihood of zoonotic spread of campylobacteriosis is increasing [ 28 , 32 , 33 ]. However, information about horizontal transmission of Campylobacter through non-foodborne routes is limited, and the zoonotic nature of the disease is often overlooked [ 32 , 34 ]. One potentially overlooked host is squamates [ 22 ].…”

“…The squamates have been implicated in potentially aiding horizontal transmission of Campylobacter spp. either by cross-contamination through their feces, pet handling or generally as a result of close interaction with human habitats [ 34 ].…”

Molecular characterisation of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium and Campylobacter jejuni faecal carriage by captured rangeland goats

“…reported for Australian rangeland goats. Molecular methods including qPCR offer some advantages for enumeration and detection of Salmonella and Campylobacter in faeces and food, including greater specificity, sensitivity and reproducibility than conventional diagnostic methods (Maciel et al, 2011;Singh et al, 2011;Zhang et al, 2011;Whiley et al, 2016). The present study demonstrated rapid detection of S. enterica and Campylobacter spp.…”

“…Campylobacter in faeces and food can offer some advantages over culture, including speed, and greater specificity, sensitivity and reproducibility (Maciel et al, 2011;Singh et al, 2011;Zhang et al, 2011;Whiley et al, 2016). Molecular tools based on qPCR have been used to characterise faecal carriage of S. enterica and Campylobacter spp.…”