First Report of Human Infection with <i>Salmonella enterica</i> Serovar Apapa Resulting from Exposure to a Pet Lizard

Abstract

We present the first documented human case of Salmonella enterica serovar Apapa infection, isolated concurrently from a hospital inpatient and a pet lizard. The isolates were identical by biochemical profiling and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. This rare serotype is known to be associated with reptiles. The current practice for avoiding reptile-associated infections is reviewed.