UNASSIGNED: Foodborne diseases, representing significant food safety and public health challenges globally, are not well-documented in terms of incidence, particularly for cases characterized by acute gastroenteritis (AGI) in China.
UNASSIGNED: This study developed a pyramid model to estimate the incidence of five pathogens, stratified by gender and age. The estimated incidences per 100,000 people with 95% uncertainty intervals (UI) are as follows: Norovirus, 3,188.28 (95% UI: 2,518.03, 7,296.96); Salmonella spp., 1,295.59 (95% UI: 1,002.62, 1,573.11); diarrheagenic E. coli (DEC), 782.62 (95% UI: 651.19, 932.05); Vibrio parahaemolyticus, 404.06 (95% UI: 342.19, 468.93); and Shigella spp., 26.73 (95% UI: 21.05, 33.46).
UNASSIGNED: This study elucidates the incidence rates across various gender and age groups, thereby identifying priority populations for targeted preventive interventions aimed at reducing disease burden. These insights are crucial for the development of public health policies and management of food safety risks.

In the European Union, salmonellosis is one of the most important zoonoses reported. Poultry meat and egg products are the most common food matrices associated with Salmonella presence. Moreover, wild and domestic animals could represent an important reservoir that could favour the direct and indirect transmission of pathogens to humans. Salmonella spp. can infect carnivorous or omnivorous wild birds that regularly ingest food and water exposed to faecal contamination. Birds kept in captivity can act as reservoirs of Salmonella spp. following ingestion of infected prey or feed. In this paper, we describe the isolation of different Salmonella serovars in several species of raptors hosted in aviaries in an Italian wildlife centre and in the raw chicken necks used as their feed but intended for human consumption. Characterisations of strains were carried out by integrating classical methods and whole genome sequencing analysis. The strains of S. bredeney isolated in poultry meat and birds belonged to the same cluster, with some of them being multidrug-resistant (MDR) and carrying the Col(pHAD28) plasmid-borne qnrB19 (fluoro)quinolone resistance gene, thus confirming the source of infection. Differently, the S. infantis found in feed and raptors were all MDR, carried a plasmid of emerging S. infantis (pESI)-like plasmid and belonged to different clusters, possibly suggesting a long-lasting infection or the presence of additional undetected sources. Due to the high risk of fuelling a reservoir of human pathogens, the control and treatment of feed for captive species are crucial.

Current diagnostic methods for detecting foodborne pathogens are time-consuming, require sophisticated equipment, and have a low specificity and sensitivity. Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) and plasmonic/colorimetric biosensors like gold nanoparticles (GNPs) are cost-effective, high-throughput, precise, and rapid. This study aimed to validate the use of MNPs and GNPs for the early detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella enterica spp., Campylobacter jejuni, and Listeria monocytogenes in bovine fecal samples. The capture efficiency (CE) of the MNPs was determined by using Salmonella Typhimurium (ATCC_13311) adjusted at an original concentration of 1.5 × 108 CFU/mL. One (1) mL of this bacterial suspension was spiked into bovine fecal suspension (1 g of fecal sample in 9 mL PBS) and serially diluted ten-fold. DNA was extracted from Salmonella Typhimurium to determine the analytical specificity and sensitivity/LOD of the GNPs. The results showed that the CE of the MNPs ranged from 99% to 100% and could capture as little as 1 CFU/mL. The LOD of the GNPs biosensor was 2.9 µg/µL. The GNPs biosensor was also tested on DNA from 38 naturally obtained bovine fecal samples. Out of the 38 fecal samples tested, 81.6% (31/38) were positive for Salmonella enterica spp., 65.8% (25/38) for C. jejuni, 55.3% (21/38) for L. monocytogenes, and 50% (19/38) for E. coli O157:H7. We have demonstrated that MNP and GNP biosensors can detect pathogens or their DNA at low concentrations. Ensuring food safety throughout the supply chain is paramount, given that these pathogens may be present in cattle feces and contaminate beef during slaughter.

Background. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to estimate the proportions of individuals infected with Campylobacter, Escherichia, Salmonella, Shigella, or Yersinia who develop reactive arthritis. Methods. A systematic review was conducted, encompassing English-language articles published before January 2024, sourced from the Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. This review included observational studies that reported the occurrence of reactive arthritis (ReA) among patients with Campylobacter, Escherichia, Salmonella, Shigella, or Yersinia infections. Data extraction was carried out independently by two reviewers. Subsequently, a random-effects meta-analysis was performed, with heterogeneity assessed using the I2 value. Additionally, meta-regression was employed to investigate the potential influence of study-level variables on the observed heterogeneity. Results. A total of 87 studies were identified; 23 reported on ReA development after Campylobacter infection, 7 reported on ReA after Escherichia infection, 30 reported ReA onset after salmonellosis, 14 reported ReA after shigellosis, and 13 reported ReA after Yersinia infection. The proportion of Campylobacter patients who developed ReA was 0.03 (95% CI [0.01, 0.06], I2 = 97.62%); the proportion of Escherichia patients who developed ReA was 0.01 (95% CI [0.00, 0.06], I2 = 92.78%); the proportion of Salmonella patients was 0.04 (95% CI [0.02, 0.08], I2 = 97.67%); the proportion of Shigella patients was 0.01 (95% CI [0.01, 0.03], I2 = 90.64%); and the proportion of Yersinia patients who developed ReA was 0.05 (95% CI [0.02, 0.13], I2 = 96%). Conclusion. A significant proportion of Salmonella, Shigella, and Yersinia cases resulted in ReA. Nonetheless, it is important to interpret the findings cautiously due to the substantial heterogeneity observed between studies.

Reptiles are usually asymptomatic carriers of Salmonella, with the manifestation of typical clinical signs of acute forms in adult and non-immunocompromised animals being considered exceptions. In the present case, an adult male corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus) was found dead due to septic shock 48 h after consuming a feeder mouse purchased online. The snake\'s tissue samples and faeces were cultured for bacteria isolation. Microbiological examinations of the snake and mouse livers revealed the presence of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Midway. A whole-genome analysis of these two isolates showed a high correlation between them: they belonged to the strain type ST-357 for the classic MLST scheme and to the strain type ST 171322 for the cgMLST scheme. Also, a virulence gene analysis revealed the presence of stdB and STM3026 genes. This report conveys a case of food-borne salmonellosis in a pet snake, transmitted from a feeder mouse, likely responsible for the snake\'s death due to septic shock. It highlights the relevance of feeder mice as a source of Salmonella infections in snakes and the associated risks to human health.

The emergence of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria has become a critical global One Health issue, mainly attributed to the extensive use of antimicrobial agents in human and agricultural settings. Regional and local AMR surveillance data is essential for implementing awareness and mitigation strategies. This article assesses AMR frequency in 1604 bacterial isolates consisting of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Salmonella spp. isolated from diverse sources in Virginia, including farm animals, wildlife, environment, and food samples from 2007 to 2021. The results are based on the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion assessment method of susceptibility to select antimicrobial agents, spanning nine distinct categories approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for clinical use. Streptomycin (STR) and tetracycline (TCY) exhibited the highest frequency of resistance in E. coli (39.1%) and Salmonella (25.2%), respectively. Multidrug resistance (MDR) was evident in 6.6% of E. coli and 10.9% of Salmonella isolates. Notably, 51% of E. coli and 36% of Salmonella isolates demonstrated resistance to more than one antimicrobial. None of the tested antimicrobials guaranteed effectiveness against the bacteria isolated from the surveyed sources and regions. The study found heightened MDR and distinct AMR patterns in bacteria isolated from food products compared to other sampled sources. These findings are vital for comprehending the current AMR landscape, prompting the development of strategies to mitigate the emergence of AMR bacteria, and advocating prudent antimicrobial use from a One Health perspective.

BACKGROUND: Although salmonellosis is considered to be a foodborne zoonotic disease, pets can play a significant role in the dissemination of antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella organisms to humans because of close contact with their owners.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence, risk factors, virulence factors, serotypes, and antimicrobial resistance profile of Salmonella in pet dogs and cats in Turkey and to assess the public health risk. Furthermore, to perform macroscopic comparison of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in Salmonella-positive and Salmonella-negative animals.
METHODS: International Standards Organization (ISO) 6579-1:2017 and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) methods were used to compare the effectiveness of culture methods in the identification of Salmonella in 348 rectal swabs. Positive isolates were serotyped using the slide agglutination method according to the White-Kauffmann-Le Minor scheme and the presence of virulence genes (invA and stn) were evaluated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Antimicrobial activity was tested by Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines.
RESULTS: Salmonella prevalence was 5.73% (9/157) in dogs and 0.0% (0/191) in cats. Eight (8/9) isolates were cultured with the ISO method and 5 (5/9) isolates were cultured with the FDA method. Macroscopic results revealed that Salmonella agents had no effect on LAB. Three different serotypes were detected and all isolates were positive for virulence genes. Antibiotic resistance profiling indicated that 11.1% of the isolates were MDR and the highest resistance was found for ciprofloxacin. MDR-resistant S. Virchow and carbapenem-resistant S. Enteritidis were detected from dog isolates. There was a significant difference between raw meat consumption and Salmonella carriage (p < 0.01).
CONCLUSIONS: Dogs could be potential carriers of Salmonella infection. The isolation of Salmonella in healthy dogs instead of dogs suffering from diarrhoea indicates that attention should be paid to asymptomatic carriage. The emergence of resistance among zoonotic Salmonella isolates poses a significant threat to public health.

UNASSIGNED: Non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) generally causes self-limiting gastroenteritis. However, older adults (≥65 years) can experience more severe outcomes from NTS infection. We have previously shown that a live attenuated S. Typhimurium vaccine, CVD 1926 (I77 ΔguaBA ΔclpP ΔpipA ΔhtrA), was immunogenic in adult but not aged mice. Here we describe modification of CVD 1926 through deletion of steD, a Salmonella effector responsible for host immune escape, which we hypothesized would increase immunogenicity in aged mice.
UNASSIGNED: Mel Juso and/or mutuDC cells were infected with S. Typhimurium I77, CVD 1926, and their respective steD mutants, and the MHC-II levels were evaluated. Aged (18-month-old) C57BL/6 mice received two doses of PBS, CVD 1926, or CVD 1926 ΔsteD perorally (109 CFU) and the number of FliC-specific CD4+ T cells were determined. Lastly, aged C57BL/6 mice received three doses of PBS, CVD 1926, or CVD 1926 ΔsteD perorally (109 CFU) and then were challenged perorally with wild-type S. Typhimurium SL1344 (108 CFU). These animals were also evaluated for antibody responses.
UNASSIGNED: MHC-II induction was higher in cells treated with steD mutants, compared to their respective parental strains. Compared to PBS-vaccinated mice, CVD 1926 ΔsteD elicited significantly more FliC-specific CD4+ T cells in the Peyer\'s Patches. There were no significant differences in FliC-specific CD4+ T cells in the Peyer\'s patches or spleen of CVD 1926- versus PBS-immunized mice. CVD 1926 and CVD 1926 ΔsteD induced similar serum and fecal anti-core and O polysaccharide antibody titers after three doses. After two immunizations, the proportion of seroconverters for CVD 1926 ΔsteD was 83% (10/12) compared to 42% (5/12) for CVD 1926. Compared to PBS-immunized mice, mice immunized with CVD 1926 ΔsteD had significantly lower S. Typhimurium counts in the spleen, cecum, and small intestine upon challenge. In contrast, there were no differences in bacterial loads in the tissues of PBS-vaccinated and CVD 1926-immunized animals.
UNASSIGNED: These data suggest that the steD deletion enhanced the immunogenicity of our live attenuated S. Typhimurium vaccine. Deletion of immune evasion genes could be a potential strategy to improve the immunogenicity of live attenuated vaccines in older adults.

Salmonella diarizonae (IIIb) is frequently isolated from reptiles and less frequently from birds and mammals. However, its isolation from invasive human infections has not been widely reported. Migratory mallard ducks are excellent bioindicators of pathogen presence and pathogen antibiotic resistance (AMR). We present the first isolation from a mallard duck in central Europe of the antibiotic-resistant Salmonella enterica subsp. diarizonae with the unique antigenic pattern 58:r:z53 and report its whole-genome sequencing, serosequencing, and genotyping, which enabled the prediction of its pathogenicity and comparison with phenotypic AMR. The isolated strain was highly similar to S. diarizonae isolated from humans and food. Twenty-four AMR genes were detected, including those encoding aminoglycoside, fluoroquinolone, macrolide, carbapenem, tetracycline, cephalosporin, nitroimidazole, peptide antibiotic, and disinfecting agent/antiseptic resistance. Six Salmonella pathogenicity islands were found (SPI-1, SPI-2, SPI-3, SPI-5, SPI-9, and SPI-13). An iron transport system was detected in SPI-1 centisome C63PI. Plasmid profile analyses showed three to be present. Sequence mutations in the invA and invF genes were noted, which truncated and elongated the proteins, respectively. The strain also harbored genes encoding type-III secretion-system effector proteins and many virulence factors found in S. diarizonae associated with human infections. This study aims to elucidate the AMR and virulence genes in S. enterica subsp. diarizonae that may most seriously threaten human health.

The emergence of multi-drug resistance in Salmonella, causing food-borne infections, is a significant issue. With over 2,600 serovars in in Salmonella sp., it is crucial to identify specific solutions for each serovar. Phage therapy serves as an alternate treatment option. In this study, vB_SalP_792 phage was obtained from sewage, forming plaques in eight out of 13 tested clinical S. enterica isolates. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) examination revealed a T7-like morphotype. The phage was characterized by its stability, life cycle, antibiofilm, and lytic ability in food sources. The phage remains stable throughout a range of temperatures (-20 to 70°C), pH levels (3-11), and in chloroform and ether. It also exhibited lytic activity within a range of MOIs from 0.0001 to 100. The life cycle revealed that 95% of the phages attached to their host within 3 min, followed by a 5-min latent period, resulting in a 50 PFU/cell burst size. The vB_SalP_792 phage genome has a dsDNA with a length of 37,281 bp and a GC content of 51%. There are 42 coding sequences (CDS), with 24 having putative functions and no resistance or virulence-related genes. The vB_SalP_792 phage significantly reduced the bacterial load in the established biofilms and also in egg whites. Thus, vB_SalP_792 phage can serve as an effective biocontrol agent for preventing Salmonella infections in food, and its potent lytic activity against the clinical isolates of S. enterica, sets out vB_SalP_792 phage as a successful candidate for future in vivo studies and therapeutical application against drug-resistant Salmonella infections.