The genus Salmonella, isolation and occurrence in wildlife

Abstract

The genus Salmonella belong to the family Enterobacteriaceae and tribe Salmonelleae. It has only two 
species, Salmonella enterica and Salmonella bongori. The later is further subdivided into six subspecies: 
enterica, salamae, arizonae, diarizonae, houtenae and indica. The number of serotypes in each species 
and subspecies of Salmonella is reported to be around 2522. Different transport/pre-enrichment media, 
enrichment media, differential and selective solid media, biochemical tests, serological tests and 
biotechnological procedures are used in the isolation of Salmonella. Although published reports on the 
isolation of Salmonella in wildlife are few, the organism had been isolated from some wild animals which 
include elephants, giraffes, rhinoceros, chimpanzee, etc. However, published works were used mainly as 
the data base of the study.