Salmonella and Salmonellosis: An Update on Public Health Implications and Control Strategies

Abstract

Salmonellosis is globally recognized as one of the leading causes of acute human bacterial gastroenteritis resulting from the consumption of animal-derived products, particularly those derived from the poultry and pig industry. Salmonella spp. is generally associated with self-limiting gastrointestinal symptoms, lasting between 2 and 7 days, which can vary from mild to severe. The bacteria can also spread in the bloodstream, causing sepsis and requiring effective antimicrobial therapy; however, sepsis rarely occurs. Salmonellosis control strategies are based on two fundamental aspects: (a) the reduction of prevalence levels in animals by means of health, biosecurity, or food strategies and (b) protection against infection in humans. At the food chain level, the prevention of salmonellosis requires a comprehensive approach at farm, manufacturing, distribution, and consumer levels. Proper handling of food, avoiding cross-contamination, and thorough cooking can reduce the risk and ensure the safety of food. Efforts to reduce transmission of Salmonella by food and other routes must be implemented using a One Health approach. Therefore, in this review we provide an update on Salmonella, one of the main zoonotic pathogens, emphasizing its relationship with animal and public health. We carry out a review on different topics about Salmonella and salmonellosis, with a special emphasis on epidemiology and public health, microbial behavior along the food chain, predictive microbiology principles, antimicrobial resistance, and control strategies.

A Retrospective Analysis of Salmonella Isolates across 11 Animal Species (1982–1999) Led to the First Identification of Chromosomally Encoded blaSCO-1 in the USA

“…The occurrence of antimicrobial resistance in Salmonella poses a significant threat to public health, despite efforts in recent decades to decrease the use of antibiotics [ 31 , 32 ]. The initiation of the National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring Program (NARMS) in 1996 marked the beginning of systematic surveillance for antimicrobial resistance in zoonotic enteric pathogens [ 33 ].…”

“…However, potential gaps in antimicrobial resistance data since its establishment highlight the need for ongoing and retrospective surveillance in animal populations. A wide range of domestic and wild animals can serve as reservoirs for Salmonella , thereby facilitating the dissemination of this pathogen to other animals, environments, and humans [ 32 ]. Our retrospective analysis of Salmonella isolates recovered from 1982 to 1999 fills a crucial temporal gap, offering insights into resistance trends before NARMS.…”

Understanding bacterial pathogenicity: a closer look at the journey of harmful microbes

“…Specific examples of bacterial infections with severe consequences include salmonellosis, tuberculosis, and cholera, which collectively cause millions of cases and thousands of deaths each year. Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium causes ~93.8 million cases of salmonellosis annually, with a death toll of up to 150,000 cases (Galán-Relaño et al, 2023 ). We have also included specific examples under the subsection of antimicrobial resistance.…”

Salmonella Disease With a Health Management Perspective

“…In some cases, the bacteria causing diarrhea can enter the bloodstream, leading to sepsis, which necessitates prompt and effective antimicrobial treatment. However, sepsis rarely occurs [2]. For disease to manifest in healthy individuals, a microbial load ranging between 10 5 and 10 10 organisms is typically necessary.…”

“…In this context, the prevention and detection of Salmonella infections constitute a key public issue worldwide. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the etiology, epidemiology, and strategies of Salmonella in the field of health management [2]. The prevalence and severity of these infections vary depending on geographical location, socioeconomic conditions, and public health infrastructure.…”