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

Different studies have reported the prevalence and antibiotic resistance ofSalmonellain dromedary camels and its role in camelid-associated salmonellosis in humans, but little is known about the epidemiology ofCampylobacterin dromedaries. Here, we investigate the prevalence, genetic diversity and antibiotic resistance ofCampylobacterandSalmonellain 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 wereCampylobacter-negative,Salmonellaprevalence was 5.5% (3/54), and the only serovar isolated wasS. 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 forCampylobacterhuman infection, but seems to be a reservoir forSalmonellatransmission. 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 asCampylobacterandSalmonella, should be implemented.

Automated summary

A study in dromedary camels in Tenerife, Spain found a prevalence of 5.5% for Salmonella, with a single serovar isolated. Genetic analysis showed low diversity, indicating camels may serve as a reservoir for Salmonella transmission. While Campylobacter was not detected in the study, mandatory control measures should be considered for zoonotic pathogens in camels due to their increasing popularity in tourism.