Turtle-associated salmonellosis due to Salmonella Litchfield in a 57-day-old infant: a case report

A 57-day-old boy presented with fever, watery diarrhea, and anorexia and was admitted with suspected acute gastroenteritis. His laboratory data suggested low-level inflammation and cholestasis. His stool culture was positive for Salmonella Litchfield. With suspicion of bacterial infection, the patient received intravenous ampicillin for 5 days. On the fifth day after admission, his inflammatory and cholestasis markers normalized, and he was discharged from the hospital in good condition. His family kept five Japanese pond turtles as pets for one year. As Salmonella Litchfield was isolated from a swab sample of the turtle’s body. The patient was diagnosed with turtle-associated salmonellosis. In conclusion, families, particularly those with infants, should avoid keeping turtles in their homes. Pet shop owners and public health authorities must provide appropriate information regarding Salmonella in turtles.