Title
Comparison of Fresh and Frozen Fecal Samples for Detection of Enteric Salmonella From Captive Indian Star Tortoises (Geochelone elegans)
Author(s)
Kruse, T.;Sebro, I.;Clancy, M.M.;Calle, P.P.
Published
2015
Publisher
Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine
Abstract
The use of frozen fecal samples in enrichment media to detectSalmonella spp. strains was evaluated in Indian star tortoises (Geochelone elegans) to determine the utility of this test method for field collection. Fresh fecal samples were collected from 10 captive adult Indian star tortoises. Each sample was split, with one portion in enrichment media at room temperature for 1 or 2 days before submission to a reference laboratory for standard enteric culture. The other was placed in the same enrichment media and frozen at −20°C for 2 wk. Afterwards, it was transferred to a −80°C freezer for 1 mo before submission to the same reference laboratory. These freezer temperatures and holding times were selected to replicate typical field collection procedures. Salmonella enterica was isolated from all 10 fresh samples but from only six frozen samples. Statistically, results showed no significant difference between the two methods; however, this may be due to the limited sample size, and if so, utilization of frozen fecal samples to determine Salmonella spp. prevalence may underestimate the actual prevalence.
Keywords
Fecal culture;Geochelone elegans;Indian star tortoise;prevalence;Salmonella;sensitivity

Access Full Text

A full-text copy of this article may be available. Please email the WCS Library to request.



Back

PUB15561