Study of Zoonotic Pathogens in Alien Population of Veiled Chameleons (Chamaeleo calyptratus) in the Canary Islands (Spain)

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Veiled chameleons are native to the Arabian Peninsula, with a presence in other regions, such as the Canary Islands (Spain). The aim of this study is to analyze the existence of pathogenic bacteria in a population of this invasive reptile on Gran Canaria island. The results obtained highlight the presence of a variety of pathogens with relevance to human health, most of them related to gastrointestinal diseases. This archipelago is a biodiversity hotspot, with some endangered species living there, so the presence of veiled chameleons could be also a risk to biodiversity conservation, by the spread and/or transmission of pathogenic bacteria to the native fauna. In conclusion, the invasive veiled chameleon population in the Canary Islands should be considered as a potential risk factor for biodiversity conservation and human health. ABSTRACT: Veiled chameleons (Chamaeleo calyptratus) are native to the Arabian Peninsula that have been introduced as pets in many regions around the world, such as the Canary Islands (Spain). In this work, the gastrointestinal content from veiled chameleons of Gran Canaria island (Canary Islands) has been analyzed to determine the presence of zoonotic bacteria. Forty animals were analyzed using different selective culture media and PCR. The most isolated bacteria were Yersinia enterocolitica (52.4%), followed by Salmonella spp. (40.0%), with positive isolates for Salmonella Tyhpi and Salmonella Typhimurium. Pseudomonas spp. was found in 32.5% of the chameleons. More than half were positive for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus spp. was detected in six animals plus one isolate of non-resistant Staphylococcus hominis. Multiple mycobacteria species belonging to both tuberculous and non-tuberculous complexes were identified as well as Escherichia coli carrying the stx(1) and eae virulence genes with 12.5% and 7.5% prevalence, respectively. Listeria monocytogenes, Campylobacter spp., and Vibrio spp. were found in lower proportion (<5%). The results obtained indicate that veiled chameleons in Gran Canaria could be playing a role in the maintenance and dissemination of the pathogens detected, harming public health and biodiversity.