Characterization of Salmonella spp. and E. coli Strains Isolated from Wild Carnivores in Janos Biosphere Reserve, Mexico

Abstract

Enterobacteriaceae are considered one the most important zoonotic pathogens. In this study, we analyzed the characteristics of E. coli and Salmonella spp. strains present in carnivores from Janos Biosphere Reserve, Mexico. These microorganisms had been isolated from a wide range of domestic and free-range animals, including wild carnivores. Fifty-five individuals were sampled, and the presence of Salmonella and E. coli was determined by bacteriological standard methods. Strains isolated were characterized by molecular methods and in vitro infection assays. Eight different species of carnivores were captured, including coyotes (Canis latrans), gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), desert foxes (Vulpes macrotis), striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis), hooded skunks (Mephitis macroura), lynxes (Lynx rufus), raccoons (Procyon lotor), and badgers (Taxidea taxus). Salmonella spp. and E. coli were isolated from four species of carnivores. Five Salmonella spp. strains were isolated, and their molecular characterization revealed in three of them the presence of fimbrial and virulence genes associated with cell invasion. In vitro evaluation of these strains showed their capability to invade human Hep2 cells. Sixty-one E. coli strains were isolated; different serotypes and phylogroups were observed from these strains. Additionally, the presence of virulence genes showed differently.

Low Occurrence of Salmonella spp. in Wild Animals in Bahia, Brazil—Population Assessment and Characterization in the Caatinga and Atlantic Forest Biomes

“…The most frequently observed species were Didelphis albiventris (95), Necromys lasiurus (68), Calomys expulsus (62), Cerradomys vivoi (44), Marmosops incanus (39), Hylaeamys seuanezi (32), Gracilinanus agilis (31), Rhipidomys mastacalis (23), Wiedomys pyrrhorhinos (23), Leontopithecus chrysomelas (21), Turdus leucomelas (18), Thrichomys aff laurentius (18), Marmosa murina (16), Turdus rufiventris (13), Ceratopipra rubrocapilla (12), Bradypus torquatus (11), Coleodactylus meridionalis (11), Dixiphia pipra (9), Xiphorhynchus fuscus (8), Oligoryzomys nigripes (8), Trinomys albispinus (8), Dendrocincla turdina (7), Manacus manacus (7), Mus musculus (7), Oligoryzomys stramineus (7), Machaeropterus regulus (6) Cryptonanus agricolai (6), Leptotila rufaxilla (5), Glyphorynchus spirurus (4), Trinomys sp (4), and Monodelphis americana (3). Other species, which were represented by fewer than 2 exemplars each or were not identified, were grouped as others (48) (Table 3).…”

“…Contact with wild fauna can increase the occurrence and/or incidence of pathogens both unidirectionally and bidirectionally [ 5 ], allowing organisms limited to certain areas and species to be transported to others [ 6 ]. This relationship intensifies if commercial animal breeding sites are located close to forested areas, as this promotes the sharing of food, water, and shelter [ 7 ].…”

Prevalence of Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli in the feces of free-roaming wildlife throughout South Korea

“…Previous studies have identified Salmonella spp. from wild animals, including badgers, wild boars, and coyotes [ 48 , 93 , 94 ]. In this study, wild leopard cats and badgers had the highest frequency of Salmonella spp ( Table 2 ).…”