Isolation of Salmonella spp. from black spiny‐tailed iguana (Ctenosaura similis) meat commercialised in markets of León city, Nicaragua

BACKGROUND: The black spiny‐tailed iguana (Ctenosaura similis) is an endemic animal in Mesoamerica, whose meat is consumed by the local population. OBJECTIVES: Because the black spiny‐tailed iguana may be potential reservoirs of pathogens, this study aimed to isolate and characterise Salmonella spp. in their meat commercialised in markets of the city of León, Nicaragua. METHODS: Thirteen specimens were analysed for the isolation of Salmonella spp., as well as their antimicrobial resistance patterns, including the presence of genes encoding extended‐spectrum β‐lactamases. RESULTS: Salmonella spp. isolates were found in eight out of 13 samples, with S. enterica serovar Enteritidis being found in six out of eight samples. Moreover, eight Salmonella spp. isolates were resistant to amoxicillin plus clavulanic acid and cephalexin, but sensitive to other tested antibiotics. The bla (SHV) gene was detected in seven out of eight Salmonella spp. isolates, followed by the bla (TEM) (two out of eight) and bla (CXT‐M) (one out of eight) genes. CONCLUSIONS: These findings represent an important contribution to the implementation of appropriate strategies to prevent foodborne diseases.