Prevalence of opportunistic pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria from the Enterobacteriaceae family in the cloacal microflora of Testudo graeca and Testudo hermanni – a pilot study
| dc.contributor.author | Popova, Steliyana | |
| dc.contributor.author | Lazarkevich, Irina | |
| dc.contributor.author | Engibarov, Stephan | |
| dc.contributor.author | Mitova, Simona | |
| dc.contributor.author | Lalovska, Iva | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2026-01-29T10:03:18Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2026-01-29T10:03:18Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2025-12-08 | |
| dc.description.abstract | Reptiles can harbour a variety of zoonotic bacteria in their gut, often asymptomatically. In this study, we report our preliminary data on the occurrence of opportunistic pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria in the cloacal microbiota of tortoises housed in the Rescue, Rehabilitation and Breeding Center in Banya village, Burgas District. A total of 24 healthy adult individuals were sampled: 12 spur-thighed tortoises (Testudo graeca) and 12 Hermann’s tortoises (Testudo hermanni), with equal numbers of each gender. Representatives of 7 genera from Enterobacteriaceae family, known as causative agents of rare but serious infections both in humans and animals, have been identified. The most common bacteria were Klebsiella spp., Salmonella enterica, Citrobacter braakii and Enterobacter cloacae, detected in over 75% of the individuals sampled. Morganella morganii, Pantoaea agglomerans and Escherichia coli were found less frequently, in 20% - 30% of individuals. No significant difference in bacterial load between tortoise species or between sexes was found. The high prevalence of opportunistic pathogens that tortoises host may pose a potential health risk, so strict hygiene practices are recommended when handling animals. | |
| dc.identifier.issn | 1313-9940 | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://doi.uni-plovdiv.bg/handle/store/973 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski" | |
| dc.subject | reptiles | |
| dc.subject | chelonians | |
| dc.subject | spur-thighed tortoise | |
| dc.subject | Hermann’s tortoise | |
| dc.subject | cloacal microbiota | |
| dc.subject | opportunistic pathogens | |
| dc.subject | Enterobacteriaceae | |
| dc.title | Prevalence of opportunistic pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria from the Enterobacteriaceae family in the cloacal microflora of Testudo graeca and Testudo hermanni – a pilot study | |
| dc.type | Article |