Detection of Salmonella enterica in synanthropic birds in the metropolitan area of Goiania-Go

Abstract

Free living birds are considered a potential source of pathogens for livestock. In order to assess their importance in the epidemiological chain of avian salmonellosis, 260 biological samples were taken from two species with known synanthropic behavior: (a) Pigeon (Columbia livia) and (b) Black-headed vulture (Coragyps atratus). Both were screened for the presence of Salmonella enterica, with subsequent serotyping of positive samples. To facilitate the above mentioned serotyping of the biological samples we adopted conventional bacteriological methods and rPCR analysis. During the bacteriological examination a total of 13% (26/200) samples from the pigeons, were found positive. Of those isolated, 73% (19/26) were identified as Salmonella enterica, serotype Schwazengrund; 23.07% was identified as Salmonella enterica, serotype Typhimurium, 3.84% (1/26) was identified as Salmonella enterica, serotype Enteriditis. The results of the rPCR analysis showed 27% (54/200) as being positive with Salmonella enterica. None of the 60 samples taken from the vultures, showed up as positive during the conventional bacteriological exams, contrarily to the rPCR analysis, which detected 8.3% (5/60) as positive. In conclusion, pigeons and black-headed vulture from the metropolitan area of Goiânia could be identified as carriers of Salmonella species.