Identificación bioquímica de bacterias potencialmente patógenas y zoonóticas en las tortugas negras (Chelonia mydas) del Pacífico mexicano

Sea turtles naturally have gastrointestinal microbiota; however, opportunistic behavior and pathogenicity of some bacteria have also been reported. Therefore, it is important to generate information on possible risks to turtles and human health. Five monthly field trips were carried out with captures of Chelonia mydas in the Ojo de Liebre lagoon complex. Physical examinations were performed and their morphometries were recorded; oral and cloacal swabs were made and seeded in McConkey and TCBS culture media. Bacterial agents were isolated and identified using the API®20E system. Turtles body condition index and the percentages of abundance and prevalence of each microorganism were calculated. Finally, the relationship between the size of the turtles and the presence of the microorganisms was determined. 178 Chelonia mydas were captured, 523 isolates of gram-negative Enterobacteria from seven different species were obtained; the presence of proteobacteria in Chelonia mydas was not related to their age class. Among the microorganisms found, Vibrio fluvialis and Burkholderia cepacia are zoonotic. These studies allow us to understand the role of microorganisms in the diseases of wild populations and the risks to public health associated with their illegal consumption.