First characterization of the bacteriological profile of the Mediterranean Pond Turtle Mauremys leprosa (Schweigger, 1812) in Reghaïa Lake, Algeria

Authors

  • Feriel Benhafid Laboratory of Eco-Biology Animals, École Normale Supérieure de Kouba Bachir El Ibrahimi, BP 92, 16050 Algiers, Algeria.
  • Badis Bakhouche Laboratory of Biological Oceanography and the Marine Environment, University of Science and Technology of Houari Boumediene, BP 32, 16111 Algiers, Algeria.
  • Abdenour Moussouni Laboratory of Algerian Forests and Climate Change, Higher National School of Forests, Route de Hammam Essalhine 40000, Khenchela, Algeria.
  • Rayane Ahcene Reda Belaidi Laboratory of Biological Oceanography and the Marine Environment, University of Science and Technology of Houari Boumediene, BP 32, 16111 Algiers, Algeria.
  • Imed Djemadi Environment Research Center, Biodiversity and Environment Division, Annaba, Algeria.
  • Amina Saadi Dynamic and Biodiversity Laboratory, University of Science and Technology of Houari Boumediene, BP 32, 16024 Algiers, Algeria.
  • Naouelle Azzag Research Laboratory for Management of Local Animal Resources, Higher National Veterinary School of Algiers, Rue Issad Abbes, El Alia, Algiers 16025, Algeria.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.9449.17.5.26951-26962

Keywords:

Chelonian, cloacal microbiota, freshwater ecosystems, health risk, wildlife conservation, zoonotic pathogens

Abstract

The Mediterranean Pond Turtle Mauremys leprosa, a ‘Near Threatened’ species, is poorly studied in Algeria and no data exists on its bacteriological carriage. However, knowledge about the microbiota of wildlife species is essential to develop holistic conservation approaches that integrate microbial health, habitat preservation, and species-specific needs. Recent concerns regarding the potential transmission of zoonotic pathogens by turtles have been highlighted in several studies. In this context, the current study analyzed the aerobic cloacal/fecal bacteria associated with the Mediterranean Pond Turtles, which were collected from Reghaïa Lake. Samples collected from 24 turtles allowed the identification of 11 bacterial genera. Salmonella was the most frequent isolated genus with a percentage of 22 of the total isolates, followed by Escherichia and Enterobacter. The diversity of genera isolated from juveniles is relatively low compared with adults. Turtle-bacterial genera relationships were tested by logistic regressions and redundancy analysis (RDA). Results of RDA indicate a statistically significant association (p-value <0.01) between morphological features and bacterial genera frequency. Our results confirm the reputation of freshwater turtles as a reservoir of several zoonotic bacterial pathogens. This microbiota analysis offers a non-invasive, multi-faceted approach to conserving endangered species by linking health, habitat, reproduction, and ecological dynamics. This highlights the importance of establishing an epidemiological surveillance system and an awareness program must be carried out to reduce the health risks associated with owning pet turtles.

Author Biographies

Feriel Benhafid, Laboratory of Eco-Biology Animals, École Normale Supérieure de Kouba Bachir El Ibrahimi, BP 92, 16050 Algiers, Algeria.

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Badis Bakhouche, Laboratory of Biological Oceanography and the Marine Environment, University of Science and Technology of Houari Boumediene, BP 32, 16111 Algiers, Algeria.

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Abdenour Moussouni, Laboratory of Algerian Forests and Climate Change, Higher National School of Forests, Route de Hammam Essalhine 40000, Khenchela, Algeria.

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Rayane Ahcene Reda Belaidi, Laboratory of Biological Oceanography and the Marine Environment, University of Science and Technology of Houari Boumediene, BP 32, 16111 Algiers, Algeria.

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Imed Djemadi, Environment Research Center, Biodiversity and Environment Division, Annaba, Algeria.

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Amina Saadi, Dynamic and Biodiversity Laboratory, University of Science and Technology of Houari Boumediene, BP 32, 16024 Algiers, Algeria.

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Naouelle Azzag, Research Laboratory for Management of Local Animal Resources, Higher National Veterinary School of Algiers, Rue Issad Abbes, El Alia, Algiers 16025, Algeria.

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Published

26-05-2025

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Vol. 17 No. 5 (2025)

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Copyright (c) 2025 Feriel Benhafid, Badis Bakhouche, Abdenour Moussouni, Rayane Ahcene Reda Belaidi, Imed Djemadi, Amina Saadi, Naouelle Azzag

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