One Health Approach: Invasive California Kingsnake (Lampropeltis californiae) as an Important Source of Antimicrobial Drug-Resistant Salmonella Clones on Gran Canaria Island

Abstract

The increase in the reptile population has led to a rise in the number of zoonotic infections due to close contact with reptiles, with reptile-associated salmonellosis being particularly relevant. California kingsnake invasion not only threatens the endemic reptile population of the island of Gran Canaria (Spain) but also poses serious public health problems by spreading zoonotic pathogens and their antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to the environment. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the occurrence, genetic diversity, and AMR among Salmonella spp. strains isolated from California kingsnakes in Gran Canaria Island (Spain). Of 73 invasive individuals captured, 20.5% carried Salmonella spp., belonging to different subspecies and serovars, with subsp. salamae as the most abundant. Pulsed-field electrophoresis showed high genetic diversity among subsp. salamae isolates, and among these, 73.3% showed resistance to at least one of the antimicrobials tested. In conclusion, the present study revealed the importance of wild invasive California kingsnakes as reservoirs of drug-resistant Salmonella spp. that could pose a direct threat to livestock and humans. Identification of drug-resistant Salmonella strains in wildlife provides valuable information on potential routes of transmission that involve risks to public and animal health.

Study of Zoonotic Pathogens in Alien Population of Veiled Chameleons (Chamaeleo calyptratus) in the Canary Islands (Spain)

“…In Gran Canaria, Monzón Moreno et al reported a 100% (17/17) Salmonella spp. infection in the endemic lizard Gallotia stehlini [81], and Santana-Hernández et al reported a prevalence of 20.5% in California Kingsnake (L. californiae) on the same island [82].…”

Exploring the Prevalence of Antimicrobial Resistance in Salmonella and commensal Escherichia coli from Non-Traditional Companion Animals: A Pilot Study

“…Several research studies highlight the importance of NTCAs, such as reptiles, as they can act as reservoirs and sources of Salmonella infection [5,6], a bacterium that is recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as one of the priority pathogens with higher antimicrobial resistance (AMR) worldwide, which needs to be studied and monitored [7]. In fact, numerous outbreaks have occurred in recent years due to the close contact between these animals and their owners, causing serious disease or even death in at-risk populations such as immunocompromised patients, children or the elderly [5,8]. However, little is known about the importance of this pathogen in NTCA small mammals, even though the population of these animals, such as rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets or mice, among others, is estimated at 29 million of the 340 million companion animals in European households [2].…”

Salmonella and Salmonellosis: An Update on Public Health Implications and Control Strategies

“…For example, the increase in the private ownership of reptiles has led to a rise in the number of zoonotic infections [10][11][12]. Additionally, rodents and birds act as Salmonella amplifiers, playing an essential part in the dissemination of bacteria on farms [13].…”