Feline Salmonellosis Study Guide

Overview and Clinical Importance

Salmonellosis is a zoonotic bacterial disease caused by gram-negative, rod-shaped bacteria of the genus Salmonella. While clinical disease is relatively uncommon in cats compared to other species, understanding this condition is essential for the NAVLE due to its significant public health implications and the role of cats as potential asymptomatic carriers that can transmit infection to humans and other animals.

The genus Salmonella belongs to the family Enterobacteriaceae and includes two species: Salmonella enterica and Salmonella bongori. S. enterica contains over 2,500 serovars and is responsible for the vast majority of clinical infections. The most clinically relevant serovars in cats include S. Typhimurium and S. Enteritidis.

Etiology

Bacterial Characteristics

Salmonella species are gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic, non-spore-forming, motile bacilli with peritrichous flagella. Key microbiological features include: