Characterization of Salmonella Frintrop isolated from dromedary camels ( Camelus dromedarius )

Abstract

Different studies have reported the prevalence and antibiotic resistance of Salmonella in dromedary camels and its role in camelid-associated salmonellosis in humans, but little is known about the epidemiology of Campylobacter in dromedaries. Here, we investigate the prevalence, genetic diversity and antibiotic resistance of Campylobacter and Salmonella in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius). A total of 54 individuals were sampled from two different dromedary farms located in Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain). While all the samples were Campylobacter-negative, Salmonella prevalence was 5.5% (3/54), and the only serovar isolated was S.Frintrop. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis analysis revealed a low genetic diversity, with all isolates showing a nearly identical pulsotype (similarity >95%). Our results indicate that dromedary camels could not be a risk factor for Campylobacter human infection, but seems to be a reservoir for Salmonella transmission. Since camel riding has become one of the main touristic attractions in several countries, and its popularity has increased considerably in recent years, a mandatory control, especially for zoonotic pathogens such as Campylobacter and Salmonella, should be implemented.