PLASMID DNA OF DIFFERENT SALMONELLA SEROV ARS FROM POULTRY FLOCKS IN GERMANY

151 salmonella isolates belonging to 6 serotypes and originating from diverse material collected in broiler chicken farms, hatcheries and po ultry slaughteries in Norhtern Germany during 1984 and 1990 were inves tigated for their plasmid DNA content. This is the first report descri bing plasmids of S. saint-paul, isolated from poultry lines. The diffe rent plasmids of 22 Md, 3,1 Md, 2,4 Md and 1,1 Md molecular weight can be used for further epidemiological studies of salmonellosis in poult ry. The 62 Md plasmid of S. typhimurium and the 36 Md plasmid of S. en teritidis have been found to be serovar specific. The smaller plasmids (m. w. less than 5,0 Md), found in S. virchow and S. blockley can be used for further epidemiological studies.