An enteric bacteria that can cause vomiting, diarrhea and other gastroenteritis in humans and animals, but can be found in reptiles without causing problems. A common bacteria found in healthy reptiles, that is also known to cause disease to them. This is a common bacteria also found in lakes, ponds and other bodies of water. Humans can come in contact with this, either directly from the reptile and its bites or scratches, or from the water source. This organism is fairly common in the oral cavities of reptiles and can be transmitted through contamination of wounds.
Several species can cause disease in humans.
This is usually a cutaneous or subcutaneous nodular disease. It can come from chronically infected reptiles and may involve any organ, system or area of anatomy. Transmission is thought to occur by direct contact, tick bite or inhalation. Severe clinical signs of cramps, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and fever are reported with some individuals requiring hospitalization. Young, elderly or immunocompromised individuals may have more serious complications.