ERIC-PCR analysis of the genotypic diversity of poultry and human Salmonella strains from N’djamena and doba towns in Chad

Salmonella is one of the leading causes of food contamination in non-developed and industrialized countries. They represent a significant burden for the public health and a considerable cost for the society. The poultry sector is considered as one of the major sources of human contamination. The objective of this study was to evaluate the genotypic links of Salmonella strains within the various identified serotypes, in order to specify the variety of clones circulating within the poultry sector and to determine the zoonotic character of salmonellosis. Salmonella strains used were screened from 1090 samples taken from 10 broiler farms in N’Djamena and 16 traditional poultry farms in Doba. These strains were subjected to molecular characterization through ERIC-PCR technic that confirmed their belonging to the genus Salmonella , with diversity both within and between different serotypes. The identical genetic profiles of some serotypes, has confirmed the diffusion and persistence of the same clones throughout the pathway, but also the polymorphism of other serotypes, indicating the diversity of potential reservoirs of non-typhoid Salmonella . The comparison of human and poultry ERIC-PCR profiles revealed indirect evidence of Salmonella serovar contaminants from human origin in poultry farms of N'Djamena and Doba towns. The evidence of the Salmonella and E. coli germs in both their phenotypic and genetic diversities constitute a serious constraint to be integrated in the control strategies of human and animal diseases caused by these enterobacteria.