Iranian Journal of

Background and Objectives: Salmonella spp. are one of the most important zoonotic agents with a worldwide distribution. Asymptomatic cats which may excrete Salmonella. spp for weeks can play important role in environmental contamination. The aim of this study was to access the role of rural cats in dissemination of Salmonella. spp.

Methods: Salmonella excretion was evaluated in 170 samples (rectal swabs) of apparently healthy rural cats from Golestan and Mazandaran provinces using PCR and conventional microbial culture tests. After serotyping, the presence of spv R and spv B genes and the antibiotic resistance pattern of isolated Salmoella spp. were surveyed.

Results: Out of 170 samples, 25 (14.7%) cases with Salmonella spp., including: 13 (52%) cases of S enteritidis, 7(28%) cases of S Dublin, and 5 (20%) cases of S typhymurium were recovered.

The presence of spv R and spv B genes was detected in 5 out of 25 isolated Salmonella spp. The highest resistance of isolated Salmonella spp. was to Streptomycin, Lincospectin, and Tetracycline. The rate of Salmonella isolation was similar in male and female rural cats and also Golestan and Mazandaran provinces.

Conclusion: Detection of zoonotic serotypes of Salmonella spp with spv R and spv B genes and multidrug antibiotic resistance in apparently healthy rural cats make them a potential significant threat to public health. Similar studies on different populations of cats must be taken in consideration when prevention, control or eradication programs of salmonellosis are going to be carried out.