Use of ERIC-PCR to identify and analyze the DNA fingerprints of Salmonella in seafood.

Objective To determine the prevalence of Salmonella infection in fresh seafood and genetic similarities between different strains and to then provide valuable reference information with regard to Salmonella epidemiology.Methods Fresh fish,shellfish,and crab samples were obtained from local markets.A conventional culture-based study was performed and Salmonella strains were isolated and identified.Salmonella strains were amplified using ERIC-PCR and then their DNA fingerprints were analyzed.Results Salmonella was detected in 42/191 samples and 45 Salmonella strains were obtained.Forty-five Salmonella strains were divided into two important branches and the genetic similarity index was 50%-100%.Conclusion Seafood was contaminated with different strains of Salmonella.Different genotypes of Salmonella were present in the same seafood sample and the same genotype was present in different seafood samples.