Fecal samples from dogs residing in areas of poor living conditions in Ilhéus city / BA were examined for Salmonella spp from June 2001 to April 2002. Eighteen (9.47%) of 190 animals were found to be positive. 66.6% of those samples were taken from one year old puppies, 56% of the positive animals were fed by table scrap, 66% did not drink treated water and 67% had a domiciliary behavior. Symptoms of salmonellosis were not present in 83% of all positive animals. S. Gafsa represented the most prevalent serovar (38.9%), followed by S. Rubislaw (27.8%), S. Carrau (16.7%) and S. enterica subsp. Houtenae (11.1%). One sample could not be identified. Gentamicin was the most potent in vitro drug for the treatment of salmonelosis, followed by ampicilin. Our results confirmed that dogs represent an important reservoir of exotic Salmonella serovars and that there are different patterns of sensitivity to drugs among them.
Salmonella spp; Antibiotic resistance; assymptomatic carrier
