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Research note: High-resolution detection of Salmonella serovar diversity in broilers from Ecuador using CRISPR-SeroSeq
Journal
Poultry Science
ISSN
0032-5791
Date Issued
2026-04
Author(s)
Christian Vinueza-Burgos
José L. Medina-Santana
Sofía de Janon
David Ayala-Velastegui
Cristina Logacho
Nikki W. Shariat
Abstract
Salmonella enterica is a major foodborne pathogen associated with poultry, representing a critical challenge for food safety worldwide.
Accurate identification of serovar diversity is essential for designing control strategies; however, conventional culture-based methods often underestimate this complexity. In this study, we report the first application of CRISPR-SeroSeq in Ecuador to characterize Salmonella serovar diversity in commercial broilers. A total of 76 flocks (one hose of one farm in different cycles) originated across 19 broiler farms were sampled.
All flocks belonged to an integrated poultry company. From all samples, 77.6% tested positive for Salmonella. CRISPR-SeroSeq analysis revealed a clear dominance of serovar Infantis, even within mixed populations. Importantly, serovars of significant public health concern, including Enteritidis and Typhimurium, were detected at low frequencies that would likely be missed by conventional methods.
These findings highlight the utility of high-resolution serotyping approaches, providing valuable insights for targeted interventions to improve poultry production biosecurity and food safety.
Accurate identification of serovar diversity is essential for designing control strategies; however, conventional culture-based methods often underestimate this complexity. In this study, we report the first application of CRISPR-SeroSeq in Ecuador to characterize Salmonella serovar diversity in commercial broilers. A total of 76 flocks (one hose of one farm in different cycles) originated across 19 broiler farms were sampled.
All flocks belonged to an integrated poultry company. From all samples, 77.6% tested positive for Salmonella. CRISPR-SeroSeq analysis revealed a clear dominance of serovar Infantis, even within mixed populations. Importantly, serovars of significant public health concern, including Enteritidis and Typhimurium, were detected at low frequencies that would likely be missed by conventional methods.
These findings highlight the utility of high-resolution serotyping approaches, providing valuable insights for targeted interventions to improve poultry production biosecurity and food safety.