Wall Geckos (Geckonidae) as reservoirs of Salmonellae in Nigeria: problems for epidemiology and public health

Abstract

An investigation was carried out to establish the occurrence of Salmonellae in household wall lizards (Gecko gecko and Hemidactylus sp.) in Nsukka, Nigeria. Twentyseven out of 90 geckos examined yielded positive Salmonella isolations, giving a carrier-rate of 30 per cent. While 2 isolates were non-typable, the other 25 strains belonged to 6 serotypes: Salmonella weltevreden (8 strains), Salmonella typhimurium, Salmonella enteritidis, Salmonella hvittingfos, Salmonella saintpaul, and Salmonella agama. Two serotypes, Salmonella weltevreden and Salmonella hvittingfoss are reported for the first time in Nigeria. The role of Geckonidae in the epidemiology of salmonellosis and the public health implications of geckoborn Salmonellae are highlighted.