Detection of Yersinia enterocolitica , Shigella spp. and Salmonella spp. in Rattus norvegicus captured from Tehran, Iran.

Background: The present study aims to determine the presence of Yersinia spp., Yersinia pestis , Yersinia enterocolitica pathogen, Listeria monocytogenes , Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., Francisella tularensis and Borrelia spp. in brown rats of Tehran, Iran. Methods: PCR was used to detect various bacteria in 100 brown rats, Also, ELISA was used to detect antibodies against the F. tularensis and Borrelia spp. Results: A total of 16% and 13% of fecal samples were positive for Yersinia spp. and Y. enterocolitica pathogen. ELISA results were negative for F. tularensis and Borrelia . No specific antibodies (IgG) were against these bacteria. Conclusion: According to the results of our analysis, rats are significant transmitters and carriers of a variety of illnesses that can spread to both people and other animals.