Reptile-associated salmonellosis: A preventable pediatric infection

Medicine and Health Rhode Island, Jan 2003 by Bandy, Utpala, McCarthy, Helen, Hannafin, Christopher

PREVENTION

Public education through anticipatory guidance (including at prenatal visits) may be a more promising method of minimizing the risk of salmonellosis than prohibiting the sale of pet reptiles. To this end, a mailing with posters and patient information materials are sent to medical providers and school nurse-teachers. Physicians must be aware of the epidemiological features of salmonellosis and must recognize that reptiles carrying Salmonella may be the cause of salmonellosis and Salmonella sepsis. Veterinarians, pet shop owners and herpetological societies should provide educational materials and guidance about salmonellosis to reptile owners. Informing such owners about the correct methods for reptile food preparation, husbandry and handling can lead to cleaner environments and reduced propagation of the bacteria. Reptiles living in healthy environments are less likely to shed Salmonella bacteria. The staff in facilities that handle reptiles should follow recommended precautions for reducing the risk of transmission of Salmonella from reptiles to humans. Routine screening of reptiles by bacterial culture is unreliable due to the intermittent shedding of the bacteria and therefore discouraged. Prophylactic antibiotic treatment of asymptomatic animals is not recommended and is not an effective method for prevention. Maintaining and separating reptiles and all the related food, bedding, water, waste and cleaning materials from contact with areas or materials used for humans will significantly reduce the potential for transmission.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PREVENTING TRANSMISSION OF SALMONELLA FROM REPTILES TO HUMANS

* Pet store owners, veterinarians, and pediatricians should provide information to owners and potential purchasers of reptiles about the risk for acquiring salmonellosis from reptiles.

* Persons should always wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling reptiles or reptile cages.

* Persons at increased risk for infection or serious complications of salmonellosis (e.g., children aged less than 5 years and immunocompromised persons) should avoid contact with reptiles.

* Pet reptiles should be kept out of households where children aged less than 5 years or immunocompromised persons live.

* Families expecting a new child should remove the pet reptile from the home before the infant arrives.

* Pet reptiles should not be kept in child care centers.

* Pet reptiles should not be allowed to roam freely throughout the home or living area.

* Pet reptiles should be kept out of kitchens and other food-preparation areas to prevent contamination. Kitchen sinks should not be used to bathe reptiles or to wash their dishes, cages, or aquariums. If bathtubs are used for these purposes, they should be cleaned thoroughly and disinfected with bleach.

For additional information and access to resource materials visit: www.cdc.gov/healthypets/animals/reptiles.htm, or call the Office of Communicable Diseases at 401 222 2577.

REFERENCES

1. Brenner FW, Villar RG, Angulo PJ, et al. Salmonella nomenclature. J Clin Microbiol 2000;38:2465-7.