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Updated: Jul 4, 2026
An Allelotyping PCR for Identifying Salmonella enterica serovars Enteritidis, Hadar, Heidelberg, and Typhimurium
Published on: July 22, 2011
Molecular diagnosis of Salmonella species in captive psittacine birds
M C Allgayer1, C A V Lima-Rosa, T A Weimer
1Universidade Luterana do Brasil, Avenida Farroupilha 8001, Canoas, CEP 92425-900, RS, Brazil.
Abstract:
Cloacal swabs were collected from 280 captive psittacine birds belonging to 13 species. Samples of dna were tested by PCR using a pair of primers that amplify a 284 base pair fragment of the Salmonella genus invA gene, and the PCR-positive samples were tested by standard microbiological techniques. Thirteen per cent of the samples were positive by PCR, but negative by microbiological techniques. The infection rates were significantly different among the 13 species, the most commonly infected being Amazona amazonica (28 per cent) and Amazona pretrei (20 per cent). Specific tests for Salmonella Typhimurium Salmonella Enteritidis, Salmonella Pullorum and Salmonella Gallinarum did not produce positive results.
Insights
A study on Salmonella in captive parrots found 13% of cloacal swabs tested positive via PCR, but negative by culture. Infection rates varied by species, with Amazona parrots most affected.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Avian Health
- Molecular Diagnostics
Background:
- Salmonella infections pose a significant threat to captive bird populations.
- Accurate detection methods are crucial for managing and preventing disease outbreaks in psittacine birds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the prevalence of Salmonella in captive psittacine birds using PCR and microbiological techniques.
- To compare the efficacy of PCR with standard microbiological methods for Salmonella detection in avian samples.
Main Methods:
- Cloacal swabs were collected from 280 captive psittacine birds across 13 species.
- DNA was extracted and tested using PCR targeting the Salmonella invA gene (284 bp fragment).
- PCR-positive samples were further analyzed by standard microbiological techniques.
Main Results:
- Thirteen percent of samples were PCR-positive but culture-negative, indicating potential false positives or low-level infections.
- Significant differences in infection rates were observed among the 13 species.
- Amazona amazonica (28%) and Amazona pretrei (20%) showed the highest infection rates.
- Specific tests for Salmonella Typhimurium, Salmonella Enteritidis, Salmonella Pullorum, and Salmonella Gallinarum were negative.
Conclusions:
- PCR offers a sensitive method for detecting Salmonella in psittacine birds, but results require careful interpretation alongside microbiological data.
- Species-specific susceptibility to Salmonella infection was noted, highlighting the need for targeted health management strategies.
- Further investigation is warranted to understand the implications of PCR-positive, culture-negative results in avian Salmonella surveillance.
