Prevalence of Virulence Genes in Non-typhoidal Salmonella Isolates from Layers in Pantnagar, India

This study determined the prevalence of virulence genes in 23 non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) isolates obtained from layer breeds of an organized poultry farm in Pantnagar, India. Eight virulence genes viz. sipA, sopE1, fliC, mgtC, spvC, gipA, sopB, and stn were detected using the PCR technique. The most prevalent gene was sipA (95.65%), followed by sopB (73.91%), sopE1 (60.87%), stn (56.52%), fliC (47.83%), mgtC (30.43%), spvC (13.04%) and gipA (13.04%). Among all the isolates, one isolate didn’t show the presence of any virulence genes and none of the isolates harbored all the virulence genes screened. This study shows the high prevalence of virulence genes in NTS strains isolated from layers. Thus, continuous monitoring and surveillance of non-typhoidal Salmonella for virulence and its potential risks to humans and animals must be carried out.