Frequency and Antimicrobial Resistance Pattern of Salmonella Spp in Asymptomatic Rural Dog in Zabol

Salmonellosis is one of the most important case of zoonotic diseases with global distribution. Rural dogs may not show clinical signs of Salmonella infection. Feces of nearly all-animal species including dogs may serve as a potential source of Salmonella infection to humans and even to other animals. Due to the increase in dog keeping among the people especially those living within the rural regain in Sistan, there is an increased risk of transmission of Salmonella infection to humans. The aim of this study is to determine the carrier status of Salmonella in dogs and their role as potential sources of infection to humans. In this research, rectal swabs of 250 asymptomatic rural dogs from Zabol rural regains were cultured in general and specific media, identified by using common laboratory tests and evaluated by PCR using universal at the genus level. Salmonella isolates were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility applying standard methods. In this study, 58 isolates of Salmonella were identified from 250 rectal swabs. The highest resistance was to antibiotics co-trimoxazole, gentamycin, tetracycline and nalidixic acid. Isolation of Salmonella spp. from asymptomatic dogs makes them dangerous source of Salmonella and a treat for human and animal health.