Isolation of Salmonella from environmental samples collected in the reptile department of Antwerp Zoo using different selective methods.

One hundred environmental samples were collected in the service sections and public spaces of the reptile department. Sixty-six Salmonella strains were serotyped, 29 belonged to Salmonella enterica ssp. enterica (I), 3 to ssp. salamae (II), 29 to ssp. arizonae or diarizonae (IIIa/b), 4 to ssp. Houtenae (IV) and 1 strain showed autoagglutination. A high prevalence of Salmonella strains was noted in the service sections of the reptile department. Only a few isolations were made in the public spaces. This study confirms the importance of reptiles as spreaders of Salmonella in their surroundings. J Appl Microbiol. 2006;101(2):284-9.