Salmonella is considered as one of the most important foodborne pathogens.  In Southeast Asian countries, wild gecko seems to be an important natural reservoir for Salmonella.  In this study, a total of 201 wild geckos (Hemidactylus spp.) were collected in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam to clarify the viable number and survival period of Salmonella in their feces.  The number of Salmonella in feces was counted on the selective media (MLCB and DHL) after spread and incubation at 37^oC, 24 h.  Of 101 fecal samples examined, 24 samples (23.8%) were Salmonella positive.  Those Salmonella positive geckos excreted Salmonella in their feces from 1 to 8.6 log CFU/g.  The mean number of Salmonella in feces was 4.5 ± 3.2 log CFU/g.  Among Salmonella serovars, S. Weltevreden was the most predominant serovar (37.5%).  All of S. Weltevreden isolates (100%) were sensitive to 9 antibiotics examined in this study including AMP, CFZ, GEN, KAN, STR, OTC, OFX, NAL, and CHL.  Moreover, Salmonella could survive for 6 weeks in gecko feces at the room temperature in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam.  These results indicate that wild gecko could play an important role as a reservoir for Salmonella and a source of human Salmonella infection.

Keywords: antibiotics, quantification, Salmonella, survivals, wild geckos