Distribution of Virulence Genes in Salmonella Serovars isolated from poultry farms in Kwara State, Nigeria

This study was aimed at investigating the prevalence and detection of virulence genes in <em>Salmonella </em>isolated from poultry farms in Kwara State, Nigeria. Ten commercial layer farms located in three senatorial districts of the state were sampled. The presence of <em>Salmonella </em>was investigated using standard bacteriological techniques, the isolates obtained were serotyped and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect presence of two genes (<em>fim</em>A and <em>sef</em>C) in the isolates. Of the 300 samples collected, 24 (8.0%) were positive for <em>Salmonella</em>; 4 different serovars were identified; <em>Salmonella </em>Larochelle, <em>S. </em>Muenster, <em>S. enterica </em>ser. 6, 7:d, <em>S. enterica </em>ser. 45:d:1,7 and <em>Salmonella </em>Typhimurium, the most frequent being <em>Salmonella </em>Typhimurium (3%). Varying distribution patterns of the studied genes were observed among the isolates. While, <em>fim</em>A was found in all the 24 (100%) isolates, <em>sef</em>C was found only among the <em>Salmonella enterica </em>ser. 45: d: 1,7. The study indicates that the <em>fim</em>A gene is widely distributed among <em>Salmonella </em>irrespective of the serovars. However, the <em>sef</em>C gene appears to be serovar specific. The prevalence of <em>Salmonella </em>in chicken and poultry farms constitutes a major public health concern. Hence, further epidemiological studies are necessary.

Abstract licence: CC BY

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