Listeria monocytogenes Infection in a Sugar Glider (Petaurus breviceps) – New Mexico, 2011 |
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| Authors: | M Nichols N Takacs J Ragsdale D Levenson C Marquez K Roache C L Tarr |
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| Institution: | 1. New Mexico Department of Health, Epidemiology and Response Division, Santa Fe, NM, USA;2. New Mexico Department of Agriculture, Veterinary Diagnostic Services, Albuquerque, NM, USA;3. Southwest Veterinary Medical Center, Corrales, NM, USA;4. New Mexico Department of Health, Scientific Laboratory Division, Albuquerque, NM, USA;5. Enteric Diseases Laboratory Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA |
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| Abstract: | Listeria monocytogenes is a Gram‐positive, facultative anaerobic, rod‐shaped bacterium that can infect and cause disease in many species. In this case report, we describe a case of L. monocytogenes infection causing sepsis in a sugar glider (Petaurus breviceps). The sugar glider consumed a varied diet consisting of human food items, including cantaloupe. A nationwide outbreak of L. monocytogenes foodborne illness associated with cantaloupes occurred simultaneously with this incident case. In this case, the bacterial strains from the outbreak and glider were genetically distinct. Although rare, veterinarians should be aware of the emergence of foodborne pathogens' ability to infect exotic animals residing in domestic environments. |
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| Keywords: |
Listeria monocytogenes
sugar glider (Petaurus breviceps) |
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