The genus Salmonella, isolation and occurrence in wildlife

The genus Salmonella belong to the family Enterobacteriaceae and tribe Salmonelleae. It has only two species, Salmonella enterica and Salmonella bongori. The later is further subdivided into six subspecies: enterica, salamae, arizonae, diarizonae, houtenae and indica. The number of serotypes in each species and subspecies of Salmonella is reported to be around 2522. Different transport/pre-enrichment media, enrichment media, differential and selective solid media, biochemical tests, serological tests and biotechnological procedures are used in the isolation of Salmonella. Although published reports on the isolation of Salmonella in wildlife are few, the organism had been isolated from some wild animals which include elephants, giraffes, rhinoceros, chimpanzee, etc. However, published works were used mainly as the data base of the study.