Lizards as vectors of human salmonellosis

Abstract

SUMMARY: Human infections withSalmonella saintpaulhave become more frequent in New Zealand in recent years. Most cases now occur in Otago. It is shown that wild lizards in Otago, particularly the common skink (Leiolopisma zelandica), carryS. saintpauland that most if not all human outbreaks of this salmonella serotype are associated with either lizards or lizard infested areas. So far as is known this is the first report incriminating lizards as the probable cause of human salmonellosis.