Arizona-Salmonella arizonae
1. What is Arizona-Salmonella arizonae?
Salmonella enterica subspecies arizonae (commonly referred to as Salmonella arizonae) is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium. It belongs to the family Enterobacteriaceae and is known for causing infections primarily in reptiles, birds, and occasionally humans1.
2. Transmission of Arizona-Salmonella arizonae
Salmonella arizonae can be transmitted through:
- Egg transmission: Infected adult breeding birds can pass the bacteria to their young through their eggs.
- Environmental transmission: Rodents, wild birds, and reptiles can spread the bacteria into the environment2.
3. Epidemiology of Arizona-Salmonella arizonae
Salmonella arizonae infections are relatively rare in humans but have been reported in various regions, including the southwestern United States and Taiwan. The majority of human infections have been linked to the use of rattlesnake-based products1. The bacterium is also found in reptiles, with a significant percentage of snakes harboring the organism1.
4. Pathology, Disease, and Infection Caused by Arizona-Salmonella arizonae
Salmonella arizonae can cause a range of infections, including:
- Gastroenteritis: Characterized by cramping and diarrhea.
- Bacteremia: Presence of bacteria in the blood.
- Respiratory infections: Particularly in immunocompromised individuals1.
- Arizonosis in birds: A septicemic disease affecting young chicks, causing inflammation in multiple organs2.
5. Laboratory Tests for Arizona-Salmonella arizonae
- Gram stain: Gram-negative.
- Cell shape: Rod-shaped.
- Cell arrangement: Single or in pairs.
- Culture media: Grows on standard media like MacConkey agar.
- Selective culture media: XLD agar, Hektoen enteric agar.
- Biochemical tests: Ferments lactose, utilizes malonate, liquefies gelatin, and is inhibited by potassium cyanide1.
6. List of Specimen Types for Arizona-Salmonella arizonae
7. List of Specimen Collection Sites for Arizona-Salmonella arizonae Isolation
- Blood samples
- Respiratory tract samples (sputum)
- Gastrointestinal tract samples (stool)
- Urinary tract samples (urine)
- Wound swabs (pus)
- Bone marrow1
8. Colony Morphology of Arizona-Salmonella arizonae
- Edge: Entire
- Elevation: Raised
- Surface: Smooth
- Size: Medium
- Form: Circular
- Opacity: Opaque
- Colour: Pale or colorless
- Consistency: Moist
- Effect on the media: No significant effect
- Pigment: Non-pigmented1
9. Treatment Guidelines for Arizona-Salmonella arizonae
Salmonella arizonae infections are treated similarly to other Salmonella infections. Here are the general guidelines:
Antibiotic Therapy:
- First-line antibiotics: Ciprofloxacin, ceftriaxone, or azithromycin are commonly used.
- Alternative antibiotics: Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole or amoxicillin may be used based on susceptibility testing.
Supportive Care:
- Hydration: Oral rehydration solutions or intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration, especially in severe cases of gastroenteritis.
- Electrolyte management: Monitoring and correcting electrolyte imbalances.
Management of Complications:
- Bacteremia: Requires prolonged antibiotic therapy, typically 2-4 weeks.
- Localized infections: Drainage of abscesses or surgical intervention may be necessary in cases of osteomyelitis or other focal infections.
Prevention and Control:
- Hygiene: Proper handwashing and food handling practices to prevent transmission.
- Avoiding high-risk foods: Particularly important for immunocompromised individuals.
Monitoring and Follow-up:
- Regular follow-up: To ensure resolution of infection and to monitor for any potential complications.
- Repeat cultures: May be necessary to confirm eradication of the bacteria in severe or persistent cases.
10. Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (AST) for Arizona-Salmonella arizonae
Salmonella arizonae is tested for antimicrobial
susceptibility using standard methods such as the disk diffusion method, as
recommended by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Here are
the key points:
- Commonly
Tested Antibiotics:
- Chloramphenicol
- Ciprofloxacin
- Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole
- Ampicillin
- Ceftriaxone1
- Testing
Methods:
- Disk
Diffusion Method: This involves placing antibiotic-impregnated disks
on an agar plate inoculated with the bacteria. The zones of inhibition
around the disks are measured to determine susceptibility.
- Broth Dilution Method: This method determines the
minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of antibiotics that inhibit
bacterial growth2.
- Interpretation
of Results:
- Results are interpreted based on the CLSI criteria, which
classify the bacteria as susceptible, intermediate, or resistant to each
antibiotic tested3.
- Empirical
vs. Definitive Therapy:
- Empirical
Therapy: Initial treatment given before susceptibility results are
available, often based on local resistance patterns.
- Definitive Therapy: Adjusted based on the results
of the susceptibility testing to ensure the most effective antibiotic is
used1.
If you need more detailed information or have any other
questions, feel free to ask!
1: BMC Infectious Diseases 2: Journal of Clinical Microbiology 3: CLSI Guidelines
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