Isolation and identification of dominant Salmonella species and their virulence factors in pets and their owners in Isfahan city

Salmonellosis is a common disease between humans and animals, and in some cases, animals carrying bacteria are a potential source of contamination for humans. The aim of this study was to assess the potential role of dogs and cats and their owners in epidemiology of salmonellosis in in Isfahan city. For this purpose, Rectal swabs of 115 asymptomatic dogs and cats from Isfahan city (2021) were cultured and evaluated by PCR. Salmonella isolates were serotyped and virulence gene and tested for antimicrobial susceptibility applying standard methods. The results obtained in the present study indicated that Salmonella spp. were isolated from 8% of cats,16% of cat owners and 12% of dog owners samples. 2 salmonella serotypes were observed including S. typhymurium (80%), and S. enteritidis (20%). The results showed that there is no significant relationship between age, condition of the digestive system and the environment of storage with the amount of salmonella infection in dogs and cats. Also, no connection was observed between the contamination of animals and their owners. According to the results, all cases were infected with invA and flic strains. According to the antibiogram tests performed, they were sensitive to ciprofloxacin, azithromycin, nalidixic acid, semi-sensitive to tetracycline, gentamicin, cephalothin   and resistant to ampicillin, amoxicillin, cephalexin. Isolation of Salmonella spp. from asymptomatic cats and dogs makes them dangerous source of Salmonella and a treat for human and animal health.