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Quasi-metagenomic Analysis of Salmonella from Food and Environmental Samples
Published on: October 25, 2018
Rodents as a Source of Salmonella Contamination in Wet Markets in Thailand
Alexis Ribas1, Weerachai Saijuntha2, Takeshi Agatsuma3
11 Biodiversity Research Group, Faculty of Science, Udon Thani Rajabhat University , Udon Thani, Thailand .
Background:
Few studies have been conducted on the presence of Salmonella in the rodents that inhabit the wet markets that play an important role in daily life in Southeast Asia. The results of studies of rodents as carriers of Salmonella vary greatly, ranging from an absence of Salmonella to high prevalences. Previous studies investigated habitats such as farms and urban and wild areas where there is less rodent-human interaction than in wet markets. Consequently, the potential role of rodents as reservoirs and transmitters of Salmonella in wet markets is of great interest.
Methods:
Rodents were trapped in eight traditional wet markets in Thailand and identified to species level. Subsequently, they were screened for Salmonella and isolates were serotyped.
Results:
A total of 110 rats (Rattus norvegicus and Rattus exulans) were examined. Overall, the prevalence of Salmonella in rats was 49.10%, but varied between 0% and 73.3% among markets. Three serovars were identified: Salmonella Typhimurium (30%), S. Weltevreden (12.7%), and S. 4,[5],12:i:- (6.4%).
Conclusions:
Our results show that rodents in wet markets are a potential reservoir of Salmonella due to the close contact they have with humans and food. The three isolated serovars, of which serovar S. 4,[5],12:i:- is reported for the first time in rodents, are among the 10 commonest serovars isolated from humans in Thailand. Thus, more attention should be paid to rodents as potential reservoirs of Salmonella.
Insights
Rodents in Southeast Asian wet markets carry Salmonella, posing a public health risk. This study found nearly half of examined rats harbored Salmonella, with three common serovars identified.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Zoonotic Disease Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Limited research exists on Salmonella in rodents within Southeast Asian wet markets.
- Rodent habitats in previous studies had less human interaction than wet markets.
- Understanding rodents' role as Salmonella reservoirs in wet markets is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and serovars of Salmonella in rodents inhabiting traditional wet markets in Thailand.
- To assess the potential risk of rodents as Salmonella reservoirs and transmitters in these environments.
Main Methods:
- Rodents were trapped in eight Thai wet markets.
- Rodent species were identified (Rattus norvegicus, Rattus exulans).
- Samples were screened for Salmonella, and isolates were serotyped.
Main Results:
- Salmonella prevalence in 110 examined rats was 49.10%, varying significantly by market.
- Prevalence ranged from 0% to 73.3% across different markets.
- Identified serovars included Salmonella Typhimurium (30%), S. Weltevreden (12.7%), and S. 4,[5],12:i:- (6.4%).
Conclusions:
- Rodents in wet markets represent a significant potential reservoir for Salmonella.
- Serovar S. 4,[5],12:i:- was identified in rodents for the first time.
- The findings highlight the need for increased attention to rodents as Salmonella reservoirs due to their close proximity to humans and food.
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