Introduction: Salmonella enterica serotype Kentucky was isolated from septic poultry in Nigeria. The objective of this study was to characterize this isolate by screening for SGI1 and hyper-virulence.
Methodology: The strain was characterized by identification of Salmonella genomic island 1 (SGI1) through a PCR assay and we used a tissue culture invasion assay to assess protozoa-mediated hyper-invasion.
Results: Salmonella genomic island 1 (SGI1) was identified in the strain along with an SGI1 gene (SO13) implicated in hyper-virulence. Protozoa-mediated hyper-invasiveness was also documented in the strain.
Conclusion: The hyper-invasion is concordant with this emerging strain's ability to cause fowl paratyphoid.