Non Typhoidal Salmonellosis (NTS): A Global concern

Abstract

Salmonellosis is a public health problem worldwide. It is caused by enteroinvasive bacteria belonging to the genus Salmonella. Medically Salmonellae have been classified into typhoidal (S.Typhi, S.Paratyphi A, S.Paratyphi B) and nontyphoidal (eg; S.Typhimurium and S. Enteritidis). Non-Typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) species are important foodborne pathogens worldwide. Their widespread distribution in the environment; increasing prevalence in the global food chain; virulence and adaptability have an enormous medical, public health, and economic impact worldwide. In India, Typhimurium and Enteritidis are the commonest nontyphoidal serotypes, but occurrence of rare serotypes like S. Worthington, S. Wien, S. Virchow, and S. Dublin have been reported in literature.In humans, NTS infections are most often associated with food products of animal origin, including meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products. Outbreaks of S. Enteritidis infection have been associated with ingestion of uncooked or lightly cooked eggs. Recently foodborne outbreaks of salmonellosis associated with cantaloupe, tomatoes, unpasteurized orange juice, cilantro, and raw seed sprouts have also been reported. Manufactured food items also pose an enormous potential hazard of foodborne salmonellosis. Although foodborne outbreaks predominate, waterborne outbreaks of salmonellosis also have been reported. About 3% to 5% of all cases of salmonellosis in humans are associated with exposure to exotic pets, especially reptiles.