Comparative Analysis Using Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis Highlights a Potential Transmission of Salmonella Between Asymptomatic Buffaloes and Pigs in a Single Farm

André Marcos Santana; Daniela Gomes da Silva; Renato Pariz Maluta; Lucas José Luduverio Pizauro; Kalina Maria de Medeiros Gomes Simplício; Clarissa Helena Santana; Sarah de Andrade Dias Rodrigues; Dália Dos Prazeres Rodrigues; José Jurandir Fagliari

doi:10.3389/fvets.2020.552413

Comparative Analysis Using Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis Highlights a Potential Transmission of Salmonella Between Asymptomatic Buffaloes and Pigs in a Single Farm

Front Vet Sci. 2020 Nov 10:7:552413. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2020.552413. eCollection 2020.

Authors

André Marcos Santana¹, Daniela Gomes da Silva², Renato Pariz Maluta³, Lucas José Luduverio Pizauro², Kalina Maria de Medeiros Gomes Simplício², Clarissa Helena Santana², Sarah de Andrade Dias Rodrigues¹, Dália Dos Prazeres Rodrigues⁴, José Jurandir Fagliari²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Veterinary Medicine, Maringá State University (UEM), Maringá, Brazil.
² Department of Veterinary Clinic and Surgery, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University (FCAV/UNESP), São Paulo, Brazil.
³ Department of Veterinary Pathology, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University (FCAV/UNESP), São Paulo, Brazil.
⁴ National Reference Laboratory Diagnosis of Enteric Bacteria, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Abstract

Buffaloes and pigs play an important epidemiological roll in the Salmonella infection cycle, and asymptomatic animals can act as key component in the dissemination of the disease by horizontal, vertical, and cross-species transmission. Our study aimed and was able to confirm evidences of a cross-species transmission of Salmonella Agona between asymptomatic buffaloes and pigs. Also, we described Salmonella infection within the pig production phases, involving serotypes Agona, Senftenberg and Schwarzengrund. Rectal samples were collected from Jafarabadi buffaloes (n = 25) and Piau pigs (n = 32), located on a single farm. Salmonella Agona was isolated from lactating buffaloes, gilts, pregnant sows, and weaned pigs, Salmonella Schwarzengrund from lactating sows and Salmonella Senftenberg from gilts, pregnant sows, lactating sows, and weaned pigs. Pulsed-field Gel Electrophoresis protocol (PFGE) was performed and revealed four different profiles. Profile 1 (Salmonella Agona), isolated from a pregnant sow, a gilt and two lactating buffaloes, revealed a indistinguishable PFGE pattern, confirming evidences of potential cross-species transmission. Profile 2 (Salmonella Agona), 3 (Salmonella Senftenberg), and 4 (Salmonella Schwarzengrund), isolated from pigs, revealed important indistinguishable PFGE patterns, evidencing Salmonella infection within the pig production phases. Considering the epidemiological relevance of buffaloes and pigs in the cycle of Salmonella infection, confirmation of a potential cross-species transmission of Salmonella Agona and potential Salmonella infection within the pig production phases highlights the importance of the correct establishment of preventive health strategies in farms, in special the importance of avoiding contact between buffaloes and pigs, since cross-species transmission can occur, increasing the risk of spreading the disease.

Keywords: Bubalus bubalis; Jafarabadi; Salmonella Agona; epidemiology; feces; porcine; serotypes; swines.