Distribution of Virulence Genes in <em>Salmonella</em> Serovars isolated from poultry farms in Kwara State, Nigeria

This study was aimed at investigating the prevalence and detection of virulence genes in Salmonella isolated from poultry farms in Kwara State, Nigeria. Ten commercial layer farms located in three senatorial districts of the state were sampled. The presence of Salmonella was investigated using standard bacteriological techniques, the isolates obtained were serotyped and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect presence of two genes (fimA and sefC) in the isolates. Of the 300 samples collected, 24 (8.0%) were positive for Salmonella; 4 different serovars were identified; Salmonella Larochelle, S. Muenster, S. enterica ser. 6, 7:d, S. enterica ser. 45:d:1,7 and Salmonella Typhimurium, the most frequent being Salmonella Typhimurium (3%). Varying distribution patterns of the studied genes were observed among the isolates. While, fimA was found in all the 24 (100%) isolates, sefC was found only among the Salmonella enterica ser. 45: d: 1,7. The study indicates that the fimA gene is widely distributed among Salmonella irrespective of the serovars. However, the sefC gene appears to be serovar specific. The prevalence of Salmonella in chicken and poultry farms constitutes a major public health concern. Hence, further epidemiological studies are necessary.