Isolation and identification of Yersinia enterocolitica and its virulence factors in pets and their owners in Isfahan city

Pets such as dogs and cats are potential sources of transmissible infections such as Yersinia enterocolitica to humans, especially children.The gastrointestinal tract of these animals keeps the infection in them and can be considered as a carrier for their owners. This study was conducted with the aim of investigating the frequency of Yersinia enterocolitica infection in apparently healthy dogs and cats and their owners in Isfahan city. For this purpose, fecal swabs were collected from 115 apparently healthy dogs and cats and their owners, and Yersinia contamination and the presence of virulence genes were investigated using culture and molecular methods. The results obtained in the present study showed Yersinia enterocolitica infection in 32% of dogs, 4% of cats, 24% of dog owners and 4% of cat owners. A significant relationship was observed between age, disease and the way of keeping with the prevalence of Yersinia enterocolitica in dogs, and the level of infection of dog and cat owners was directly related to the infection of dogs and cats. Antibiogram results showed that the highest sensitivity and resistance were related to tetracycline and ciprofloxacin antibiotics, respectively. Infected animals may be the main source of infection. These results can be useful in prevention and control programs.