Evaluation of Fecal Salmonella in Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Dogs and Cats

<p>Salmonella infections in humans represent a major health concern in the U.S., and the risks of exposure to this agent through contact with dogs and cats are unknown. While bacteriologic cultures for Salmonella on fecal samples in large animals are performed routinely, similar diagnostics in small animals, particularly those that have no clinical symptoms, are much less frequently done. Salmonella does not compete well against other enteric bacteria and routine culture procedures may result in missed diagnoses, particularly in heavily contaminated samples. Much research has been conducted on techniques to enhance the sensitivity for Salmonella recovery in livestock and poultry fecal and environmental samples. These procedures could prove useful when assessing small animal feces samples for the presence of this agent. Populations of symptomatic and asymptomatic small animal patients presented to the VMTH at U.C. Davis will be screened for the presence of Salmonella in fecal samples using two enrichment procedures. These samples can be tested using PCR testing, traditional culture, or both in order to maximize sensitivity of Salmonella detection. Confirmed isolates will be serogrouped and serotyped in order to characterize prevalence of individual serotypes in these populations. Epidemiologic information on the animals tested that may provide insights into the ecology of this agent in dogs and cats will also be collected. This information will provide valuable data on the baseline level of Salmonella in the pet population, particularly when the goal is to assess changes in prevalence that may be associated with exposure to a contaminated pet product or to evaluate risks to humans from contact with their pets.</p>