Objective To investigate the differences and characteristics of virulence genes carried by Salmonella enteritidis from different sources in Shijiazhuang City. Methods One hundred and twenty-four strains of Salmonella enteritidis isolated from morning markets of raw and poultry stalls, slaughterhouses and food poisoning specimens in Shijiazhuang area were collected. Eight virulence genes (invA, sopE, agfA, spvR, hilA, stn, pefA, shdA) were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results Salmonella enteritidis might have different virulence gene profiles. The above eight virulence genes were detected in different strains. The carrying rate of virulence genes invA, sopE, stn, hilA, spvR and pefA in the food poisoning strains was higher than 94%. There was no difference in the carrying rate of 8 virulence gene between the morning raw poultry stalls isolates and the patient strains, but was different with the slaughterhouse strains. Conclusion There were more risks of food poisoning caused by Salmonella enteritidis from morning markets, and the hygiene supervision should be strengthened to prevent and control foodborne disease.