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High-throughput Assay to Phenotype Salmonella enterica Typhimurium Association, Invasion, and Replication in Macrophages
Published on: August 11, 2014
Invasive salmonellosis in Malawi
Melita A Gordon1, Stephen M Graham
1Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi. magordon@liverpool.ac.uk
Abstract:
The incidence of invasive salmonellosis has increased among children and HIV-infected adults in Malawi. This has been associated with the emergence of drug resistance in the non-typhoidal Salmonella serovars Enteritidis and Typhimurium. In contrast, S. Typhi isolates have remained fully sensitive to commonly used antibiotics and the estimated incidence of typhoid fever, although still present, has fallen slightly among both adults and children. Infection with S. Typhi is not closely associated with underlying immunosuppression but it is possible that the non-typhoidal Salmonellae have adapted to the person-person human transmission niche in this frequently immunosuppressed population. The huge burden of invasive salmonellosis in Malawi, the high associated mortality, and the recent emergence of drug resistance emphasise the need for a better understanding of the epidemiology and the need for vaccine development.
Insights
Invasive salmonellosis, including drug-resistant strains, is rising in Malawi, particularly in children and HIV patients. Typhoid fever incidence is decreasing, with Salmonella Typhi remaining sensitive to antibiotics.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Invasive salmonellosis incidence is increasing in Malawi, affecting children and HIV-infected adults.
- This rise is linked to drug resistance in non-typhoidal Salmonella serovars Enteritidis and Typhimurium.
- Conversely, Salmonella Typhi (S. Typhi) remains sensitive to antibiotics, with a slight decrease in typhoid fever incidence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the changing epidemiology of invasive salmonellosis in Malawi.
- To understand the factors contributing to the emergence of drug resistance in non-typhoidal Salmonella.
- To highlight the need for improved understanding and vaccine development for salmonellosis.
Main Methods:
- Epidemiological surveillance of invasive salmonellosis cases.
- Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of Salmonella isolates.
- Analysis of trends in non-typhoidal Salmonella and S. Typhi infections.
Main Results:
- Increased incidence of invasive salmonellosis and drug resistance in non-typhoidal Salmonella (Enteritidis, Typhimurium).
- Decreased incidence of typhoid fever, with S. Typhi isolates remaining fully sensitive to antibiotics.
- Non-typhoidal Salmonella may be adapting to human transmission in immunosuppressed populations.
Conclusions:
- The emergence of drug-resistant non-typhoidal Salmonella poses a significant public health threat in Malawi.
- Understanding the epidemiology of invasive salmonellosis is crucial for effective control and prevention strategies.
- Vaccine development for Salmonella is urgently needed given the high mortality and increasing resistance.
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