Iranian Journal of

Background & Objectives: Keeping various species of reptiles as pets has become popular in Iran alongside other parts of the world. On the other hand, Salmonellosis is one of the most important zoonotic diseases and reptiles have been known as reservoirs of Salmonella. Therefore, this study was designed to assess Salmonella infection in reptile pets of Tehran.

Methods: Fecal samples were collected and cultured for Salmonella isolation from 270 reptiles referred to the specialized veterinary clinics in Tehran. Statistical analysis was conducted on the data.

Results: Salmonella was cultivated from 142 samples (52.6%). Salmonella isolates belonged to a variety of serogroups however, more than half of them belonged to serogroups B and C. Most tested reptiles were healthy and most owners were unaware of the risk of Salmonella. Possible contact of these animals with immune-compromised people was recorded in many cases.

Conclusion: The results of this study revealed that considering the fact that reptile pets are becoming more popular in Iran, educating reptile owners who are mostly unaware of the reptile’s safe keeping methods is a necessity. Finally, more studies are suggested to further investigate the role of reptiles in the epidemiology of human salmonellosis in Iran.

Background and Objectives: Salmonella contamination of broiler breeder farms is of great importance regarding transmission of the bacteria through the production chain of poultry meat. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and management related factors of Salmonella contamination in broiler breeder flocks in Iran.

Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out between 2013 and 2014 in 23 provinces of Iran. Fecal samples were obtained from 139 broiler breeder farms and were subjected to standard bacteriological tests for Salmonella isolation. The serogroups of isolated Salmonella were determined using standard serological tests. Relevant information of sampled holdings was acquired from the GIS system and used for risk factor detection.

Results: The prevalence of Salmonella contamination in broiler breeder holdings was 7.9% and the more positive samples were from Tehran and Fars provinces. The flock age (P = 0.019) and the number of poultry houses in the farm (P = 0.037) were major risk factors of Salmonella contamination in broiler breeder farms.

Conclusion: This investigation showed that the prevalence of Salmonella contamination in broiler breeder farms was relatively high. It is necessary to establish an appropriate program for controlling Salmonella contamination in broiler breeder farms. Regular sampling for early detection of contaminated farms would be very important in this case. Sampling from old flocks should be the first priority.

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.