Molecular and Genetic Characterization of Species Isolated from Chicken Feces and Chicken Giblets from Grenada, West Indies.

This study aimed to isolate and genetically characterize species from broiler chickens sampled at three slaughterhouses in Grenada, West Indies. A total of 126 samples-including cloacal swabs, intestinal contents, and meat-from 42 birds were cultured using a chromogenic agar medium. spp. were detected in 21.4% (9/42) of the birds. Among the sample types, meat exhibited the highest prevalence at 14.3% (6/42), followed by fecal samples at 7.1% (3/42) and cloacal swabs at 2.4% (1/42). Genus- and species-specific polymerase chain reaction assays on 33 isolates identified five species: , , and (each 18.2%), as well as and (each 6.1%). Genetic diversity was further assessed via Enterobacterial Repetitive Intergenic Consensus-polymerase chain reaction, which revealed 13 distinct genotypic fingerprints forming six clusters, with a high discriminatory power (D = 0.96). This study represents the first documented isolation and molecular characterization of five species from broiler chickens in Grenada across multiple sample types. These findings underscore the zoonotic implications of isolating spp., particularly in contaminated poultry meat destined for human consumption. The presence of spp. in poultry carcasses poses a significant public health concern. To mitigate this public health risk, recommendations include surveillance for the presence of this pathogen in Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points plans or other tools used to identify pathogens compromising food safety and public health.