A One Health approach based on genomics for enhancing the Salmonella enterica surveillance in Colombia

This study aimed to provide evidence of the domestic benefits of introducing an integrative genomic analysis from the One Health approach in the national surveillance of Salmonella enterica between 1997-2017 in Colombia.

Data on Salmonella from clinical laboratory-based surveillance between 1997-2017 and from a national cross-sectional study at chicken retail stores in Colombia were compared using a phenotypic, molecular, and genomic approaches. Additional analysis by serovar using single nucleotide polymorphism was developed to increase the resolution of the relatedness between the interfaces.

Locally, the diversity and pathogenic factors of the prevalent S. enterica serovars associated with foodborne disease in Colombia were described using laboratory, pulse field gel electrophoresis, and whole genome sequencing data. For example, the resolution of pulse field gel electrophoresis allowed the description of two main foodborne clusters of Salmonella Enteritidis isolates, which were expanded to eight foodborne clades using whole genome sequencing. Likewise, virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance determinants, and mobile genetic elements that converged in the foodborne clades should be considered a public health concern in Colombia. All results by serovar were compiled in an interactive easy to share report.

Whole genome sequencing is a technology that provides a precise assessment of emerging foodborne risks such as the Salmonella foodborne clades, but it requires an integrative and continued collaboration between the stakeholders across the One Health sectors to promote appropriated actions and policies in public health.