The diversity, evolution and ecology of Salmonella in venomous snakes
Authors: Pulford Caisey V. , Wenner Nicolas , Redway Martha L. , Rodwell Ella V. , Webster Hermione J. , Escudero Roberta , Kröger Carsten , Canals Rocío , Rowe Will , Lopez Javier , Hall Neil , Rowley Paul D , Timofte Dorina , Harrison Robert A. , Baker Kate S. , Hinton Jay C. D. 
Published: January 2019

Background

Reptile-associated Salmonella are a major, but often neglected cause of both gastrointestinal and bloodstream infection globally. The diversity of Salmonella enterica has not yet been determined in venomous snakes, however other cold-blooded animals have been reported to carry a broad range of Salmonella bacteria. We investigated the prevalence and assortment of Salmonella in a collection of venomous snakes in comparison with non-venomous reptiles.

Methodology/Principle Findings

We used a combination of selective enrichment techniques and whole-genome sequencing. We established a unique dataset of reptilian isolates to study Salmonella enterica species-level evolution and ecology and investigated differences between phylogenetic groups. We observed that 91% of venomous snakes carried Salmonella, and found substantial diversity between the serovars (n=58) carried by reptiles. The Salmonella serovars belonged to four of the six Salmonella enterica subspecies: diarizonae, enterica, houtanae and salamae. Subspecies enterica isolates were distributed among two distinct phylogenetic clusters, previously described as clade A (52%) and clade B (48%). We identified metabolic differences between S. diarizonae, S. enterica clade A and clade B involving growth on lactose, tartaric acid, dulcitol, myo-inositol and allantoin.

Significance

We present the first whole genome-based comparative study of the Salmonella bacteria that colonise venomous and non-venomous reptiles and shed new light on Salmonella evolution. The findings raise the possibility that venomous snakes are a reservoir for human Salmonellosis in Africa. The proximity of venomous snakes to human dwellings in rural Africa may result in contaminated faecal matter being shed on surfaces and in water sources used for human homes and to irrigate salad crops. Because most of the venomous snakes had been captured in Africa, we conclude that the high level of Salmonella diversity reflects the African environmental niches where the snakes have inhabited.

Author Summary

Salmonella enterica is a remarkable bacterial species that causes Neglected Tropical Diseases globally. The burden of disease is greatest in some of the most poverty-afflicted regions of Africa, where salmonellosis frequently causes bloodstream infection with fatal consequences. The bacteria have the ability to colonise the gastrointestinal tract of a wide range of animals including reptiles. Direct or indirect contact between reptiles and humans can cause Salmonellosis. In this study, we determined the prevalence and diversity of Salmonella in a collection of African venomous snakes for the first time. Using the power of genomics, we showed that the majority of venomous snakes (91%) carry Salmonella, two thirds of which belonged to a subspecies of S. enterica called enterica, which is associated with most cases of human salmonellosis. Within the S. enterica subspecies we identified two evolutionary groups which display distinct growth patterns on infection relevant carbon sources. Our findings could have particular significance in Africa where venomous snakes wander freely around human dwellings and potentially shed contaminated faecal matter in water sources and on surfaces in rural homes.