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

Abstract

Campylobacter spp. is one of the most widespread infectious diseases of veterinary and public health significance. Globally, the incidence of campylobacteriosis has increased over the last decade in both developing and developed countries. Squamates (lizards, snakes and amphisbaenians) are a potential reservoir and source of transmission of campylobacteriosis to humans. This systematic review examined studies from the last 20 years that have reported squamate-associated human campylobacteriosis. It was found that C. fetus subsp. testudinum and C. fetus subsp. fetus were the most common species responsible for human campylobacteriosis from a squamate host. The common squamate hosts identified included bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps), green iguana (Iguana iguana), western beaked gecko (Rhynchoedura ornate) and blotched blue-tongued skink (Tiliqua nigrolutea). People with underlying chronic illnesses, the immunocompromised and the elderly were identified as the most vulnerable population. Exposure to pet squamates, wild animals, consumption of reptilian cuisines and cross contamination with untreated water were risk factors associated with Campylobacter infections. Proper hand hygiene practices, responsible pet ownership, ‘One Health’ education and awareness on zoonotic diseases will help reduce the public health risks arising from Campylobacter exposure through squamates. Continued surveillance using molecular diagnostic methods will also enhance detection and response to squamate-linked campylobacteriosis.

Isolation, identification and antibiotic resistance profile of thermophilic Campylobacter species from Bovine, Knives and personnel at Jimma Town Abattoir, Ethiopia

“…2 Cefixime (CFM-5), 3 Cefotaxime (CTX-30), 4 Ceftriaxone (CRO-30), 5 Cephalothin (CH-30), 6 Chloramphenicol (C-30), 7 Ciprofloxacin (CIP 10), 8 Sulphamethazole Trimethoprim (SXT 25), 9 Tetracycline (TE 30), 1 Ampicillin (AMP-10), 2 Cephalothin (CH-30), 3 Tetracycline (TE-30), 4 Cefotaxime (CTX-30), 5 Chloramphenicol (C-30), 6 Clindamycin (DA 10), 7 Ciprofloxacin (CIP 10), 8 Cefixime (CFM-5), 9 Ceftriaxone (CRO-30),…”

“…Campylobacter species are known to cause gastroenteritis in human, caused predominantly by C. jejuni, followed by C. coli, C. lari and C. fetus. It remained as global health concern as the group Campylobacter has zoonotic potential, large range of reservoir hosts, and environmental persistence [1,2].Campylobacter is the fourth (next to rotavirus, typhoid fever and cryptosporidiosis) leading cause of diarrheal diseases of human with estimated 7.5 million global disability adjusted life years. Its transmissions to humans is mainly through food-borne, from food animals and animal products [3].…”

Novel strains of Campylobacter cause diarrheal outbreak in Rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) of Kathmandu Valley

“…Zoonotic pathogens are one of the most common sources of emerging diseases [32]. Campylobacter is considered to be one of the most prevalent zoonotic pathogens [33] that might be contributing to a broader antimicrobial resistance, especially in low and middle-income countries [34,35]. Nepal has very high burden of Campylobacter infections [5,36,37] and it is implicated for causing diarrhea in some of the international travelers; it is also known to cause acute gastroenteritis in children in Nepal [38][39][40].…”

“…Rhesus macaques (monkeys) have close-interactions with humans and other domestic animals, including dogs, in some areas of densely populated Kathmandu. The risk of zoonosis and reverse zoonosis of disease between monkeys and humans are high [33] .…”

Using CITES Appendix III to Protect Native Species Found in International Trade: the Case of the Philippines

“…Wildlife trade has important implications for people's livelihoods, economies, and health -as well as the conservation of species, habitats, and the environment (Nijman 2010). It can also pose a significant biosecurity risk through the facilitated spread of zoonotic diseases and the introduction of invasive alien species (Romagosa 2014;García-Díaz et al 2017;Lockwood et al 2019;Masila et al 2020). Illegal wildlife trade is also a source of income for organized crime (UNODC 2020).…”