Molecular Detection of Salmonella enterica serovars Enteritidis from Poultry Processing Environments at Wet Markets in Sulaymaniyah Province, Iraq

Salmonella enterica affects both humans and animals and is categorized as an invasive gastrointestinal pathogen. Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (S. Enteritidis) primarily affects individuals who consume poultry products. In this study, we aimed to isolate and detect the presence of S. Enteritidis in the poultry processing environment at the wet market in Sulaymaniyah Province using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), as well as to identify the special virulence gene, Hyperinvasive locus A (hilA), in this serovar. 200 samples were obtained from ceca, body swabs, knives, chopping boards, and cages, as well as the hands of workers. Culture-based and PCR-based techniques were used for the extraction and identification. Phylogenetic analysis was done by sequencing the Salmonella difference fragment I (sdfI) gene. Culture methods identified Salmonella in 50% of the samples, with the highest rate found in cecum samples (n = 39, 54.17%). PCR results confirmed that only (n = 2) 2% of the isolates were identified as S. Enteritidis using the sdfI gene, both of which were from chicken ceca. All remaining samples tested negative for the serovar, but the hilA gene was detected in both S. Enteritidis strains. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the Iraqi isolate with accession number PV250091 belonged to a distinct subclade, indicating local genetic variation. The findings of this study revealed that poultry environments were intensely contaminated with Salmonella. Nevertheless, the low prevalence of S. Enteritidis and its virulence potential underscores the need for improved hygiene and surveillance in wet markets.