Premium
S almonella serotype diversity and seasonality in urban and rural streams
Author(s) -
Thomas J.L.,
Slawson R.M.,
Taylor W.D.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
journal of applied microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.889
H-Index - 156
eISSN - 1365-2672
pISSN - 1364-5072
DOI - 10.1111/jam.12079
Subject(s) - serotype , salmonella , salmonella enterica , veterinary medicine , biology , streams , seasonality , agriculture , microbiology and biotechnology , bacteria , ecology , medicine , computer network , genetics , computer science
Abstract Aims To investigate the prevalence, seasonality and genetic diversity of S almonella enterica serotypes, particularly those of human and veterinary health significance, in urban and rural streams. Methods and Results Using a swab collection technique and multiple culture media for isolation, S almonella were detected in 78·4% of water samples ( N ovember 2003 to J uly 2005) taken from urban and rural/agricultural streams in the G rand R iver watershed ( O ntario, C anada). Among 235 isolates, there were 38 serotypes, with the predominant serotypes and phagetypes ( PT ) being S almonella T yphimurium PT 104 and S almonella H eidelberg PT 19. These are also the most common S almonella serotypes found in humans and farm animals locally and across C anada, a trend not commonly reported. The urban stream had more frequent S almonella occurrence, greater serotype diversity and greater genetic variability (based on pulsed field gel electrophoresis) of specific strains compared with the rural/agricultural streams. Distinct seasonality in serotypes of health significance was observed only in the rural/agricultural streams, which is likely a reflection of seasonal source inputs in these watersheds. Despite the lower occurrence of these strains in stream water in the colder months, laboratory studies did not support reduced survival of S alm . T yphimurium and S alm . H eidelberg at lower temperatures, although survival differences were observed with other serotypes. Conclusions A diverse range of S almonella serotypes and PT were obtained from both urban and rural/agricultural streams, with the predominant strains being those most frequently associated with human and veterinary disease in C anada. Significance and Impact of the Study The ubiquitous nature of S almonella in water and the predominance of serotypes/ PT of human or veterinary health significance suggest that the aquatic environment is a reservoir for this bacterium and could be involved in the transport and dissemination of this pathogen between hosts.