Molecular Characterization of Non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) Isolated from Salad Vegetables in Terengganu, Malaysia

Salad vegetables are the important sources of vitamins and minerals for human diet. However, salad potential vehicles non-typhoidal Salmonella spp. (NTS) as reported in our previous study. Such contamination posed significant food poisoning risk to consumer. The aims present study include determination virulence genes prevalence NTS isolates samples from retail markets farms. Besides, characterization was performed determine their genetic relatedness. Multiplex PCR assay done detect presence 15 58 isolates. relatedness 33 belonging S. Weltevreden, Albany, Hvittingfoss, Aberdeen, Poona Corvallis were characterized using ERIC-PCR BOX-PCR typing methods. Results showed 13 (spiA, pagC, msgA, invA, sipB, prgH, spaN, orgA, tolC, sitC, lpfC, sifA sopB) among all with 53 (91.38%) carried more than 11 genes, while other five range six nine types. None possessed spvB pefA genes. Major clusters observed at a distance percentage 90% both ERIC- discriminatory index 0.917 0.873, respectively. In terms source type sample, found diverse without clear association, thus no specific cluster found. summary, this demonstrated risks cause foodborne diseases they commonly be related regard serovars.