Salmonella enteritidis colonization in turkey poults

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Microbiology
• Food Safety
• Poultry Health

Background:

• Salmonella enteritidis is a significant pathogen in poultry, posing risks to animal health and food safety.
• Understanding the colonization dynamics of different Salmonella enteritidis strains is crucial for effective control strategies in turkey flocks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the colonization ability and shedding patterns of two Salmonella enteritidis strains (phage types 4 and 8) in young turkey poults.
• To investigate the potential impact of virulence plasmids on Salmonella enteritidis colonization in turkeys.

Main Methods:

• Three-day-old turkey poults were orally inoculated with Salmonella enteritidis phage type 4 (PT4) or phage type 8 (PT8).
• Reisolation of Salmonella strains from cloacal swabs and internal organs was performed at various time points post-inoculation (p.i.).
• Contact birds were monitored to assess transmission.

Main Results:

• Both PT4 and PT8 strains successfully colonized the intestinal tract and internal organs of turkey poults.
• Higher reisolation rates of PT4 were observed from cloacal swabs and internal organs compared to PT8.
• Salmonella enteritidis strains were detected in contact birds, indicating horizontal transmission.

Conclusions:

• Salmonella enteritidis phage types PT4 and PT8 exhibit differential colonization and shedding dynamics in turkey poults.
• The reduced colonization by PT8 may be linked to the absence of a 37 MDa virulence plasmid.
• These findings highlight the importance of strain-specific characteristics in Salmonella enteritidis pathogenesis and persistence in poultry.