Is There a Shift in Salmonella Diversity Among Poultry in Northern India?

The present study was conducted to determine the serotype diversity of Salmonella among poultry in northern India. A total of 101 poultry droppings from 30 farms in the Jammu and Kashmir union territory were analyzed. Nineteen isolates of Salmonella were obtained, and these belonged to four serotypes: Salmonella enterica enterica serotype Kentucky (n = 3), Salmonella enterica enterica serotype Infantis (n = 5), Salmonella enterica enterica serotype Agona (n = 4), and Salmonella enterica enterica serotype Typhimurium (n= 7). The study has isolated some Salmonella serotypes that are infrequently reported in India. Some of the isolated serotypes are reported to be endemic for human nontyphoidal salmonellosis cases in the region. Whether this indicates a shift in the serotype pattern in poultry in the region needs to be investigated further. Nevertheless, the study clearly indicates the risk of foodborne salmonellosis associated with consumption of contaminated poultry and poultry products in the region.