title: Identification of bapA in Strains of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica Isolated from Wild Animals Kept in Captivity in Sinaloa, Mexico.
abstract: bapA, previously named stm2689, encodes the BapA protein, which, along with cellulose and fimbriae, constitutes biofilms. Biofilms are communities of microorganisms that grow in a matrix of exopolysaccharides and may adhere to living tissues or inert surfaces. Biofilm formation is associated with the ability to persist in different environments, which contributes to the pathogenicity of several species. We analyzed the presence of bapA in 83 strains belonging to 17 serovars of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica from wildlife in captivity at Culiacan's Zoo and Mazatlán's Aquarium. Each isolate amplified a product of 667 bp, which corresponds to the expected size of the bapA initiator, with no observed variation between different serovars analyzed. bapA gene was found to be highly conserved in Salmonella and can be targeted for the genus-specific detection of this organism from different sources. Since bapA expression improves bacterial proliferation outside of the host and facilitates resistance to disinfectants and desiccation, the survival of Salmonella in natural habitats may be favored. Thus, the risk of bacterial contamination from these animals is increased.
authors.affiliation: Pathology Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Husbandry, Autonomous University of Sinaloa, Boulevard San Ángel s/n, Fraccionamiento San Benito, 80246 Culiacán, SIN, Mexico.
authors.forename: Gabriela
authors.identifier: 0000-0001-7825-6880
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Silva-Hidalgo
authors.affiliation: Pathology Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Husbandry, Autonomous University of Sinaloa, Boulevard San Ángel s/n, Fraccionamiento San Benito, 80246 Culiacán, SIN, Mexico.
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: López-Valenzuela
authors.affiliation: Pathology Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Husbandry, Autonomous University of Sinaloa, Boulevard San Ángel s/n, Fraccionamiento San Benito, 80246 Culiacán, SIN, Mexico.
authors.forename: Nora
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Cárcamo-Aréchiga
authors.affiliation: Pathology Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Husbandry, Autonomous University of Sinaloa, Boulevard San Ángel s/n, Fraccionamiento San Benito, 80246 Culiacán, SIN, Mexico.
authors.forename: Silvia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Cota-Guajardo
authors.affiliation: Pathology Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Husbandry, Autonomous University of Sinaloa, Boulevard San Ángel s/n, Fraccionamiento San Benito, 80246 Culiacán, SIN, Mexico.
authors.forename: Mayra
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: López-Salazar
authors.affiliation: Enteric Bacteriology Laboratory, Institute of Epidemiological Diagnosis and Reference, Francisco de P. Miranda 177, Lomas de Plateros, Álvaro Obregón, 01480 Mexico City, DF, Mexico.
authors.forename: Edith
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Montiel-Vázquez