The vertical transmission of Salmonella Enteritidis in a One-Health context

Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (S. Enteritidis, SE) is a foodborne zoonotic pathogen, causing economic losses in animal husbandry and large numbers of human deaths and critically threatening economic development and public health. Human infection with SE has complex transmission routes, involving the environment, animal reservoirs, and water in a One-Health context. Food-producing animals, particularly poultry and livestock, are regarded as the most common sources of SE infection in humans. However, there is little known about the vertical transmission of SE in a One-Health context. In this review, we analyze the ecological significance of SE in a One-Health context. Importantly, we focus on the difference in vertical transmission of SE in poultry, livestock, and humans. We introduce the transmission pathway, describe the immune mechanisms, and discuss the models that could be used for studying the vertical transmission of SE and the strategy that prevention and control for vertical transmission of SE into the future from a One-Health perspective. Together, considering the vertical transmission of SE, it is helpful to provide important insights into the control and decontamination pathways of SE in animal husbandry and enhance knowledge about the prevention of fetal infection in human pregnancy.