Comparison of virulence genes in species isolated from human and pet turtle.

The current study was aimed to investigate the prevalence of , , and virulence genes using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in spp. isolated from 5 commercially popular species of pet turtles and comparison of the gene sequences of isolates with human clinical isolates. A total of 24 isolates in pet turtles were identified, comprised of (15), (7) and (2). The prevalence of , , and genes among all identified spp. isolates were 91.7%, 50%, 45.8% and 45.8%, respectively. The average percentage similarities of gene sequence of pet turtle isolates to human urinary and respiratory isolates were 96.35% and 94.85%, respectively. The prevalence of virulence genes and high similarity of gene sequences between pet turtles and human isolates revealed that though pet turtles are healthy, these animals may pose a potential risk of urinary and respiratory infections to humans.