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Updated: Jul 30, 2026

A High-throughput Platform for the Screening of Salmonella spp./Shigella spp.
Published on: November 7, 2018
Abstract:
A review of 194 cases of enteric infection in Scotland during 1967-74, is reported. Diagnosis was confirmed by the laboratory isolation of Salmonella typhi (64 cases), S. paratyphi A (3) and S. paratyphi B (127), from blood or faeces; 174 persons were clinically ill and 20 were symptomless infections. Most patients (81-0%) were under 35 years of age, with the highest incidence occurring among young adults of 15-24 years, many of whom had been travelling overseas. One-third of all cases (65) were imported infections; the remaining 129 patients had not been outside the United Kingdom. A significantly greater proportion of typhoid infection (54-7%) was contracted overseas, in contrast to paratyphoid B with only one-fifth of cases (21-2%) being imported; all three cases of paratyphoid A were imported. The geographic distribution of origin of imported infections is discussed, along with the frequency of organisms belonging to different phage types. Two deaths occurred, one of which was the result of complications of paratyphoid fever. All other patients responded well to treatment, although two persons continued to excrete and became chronic carriers. A few examples are given of episodes of particular epidemiological interest. It is expected that in future years there will be a continued increase in the proportion of imported infections as more persons travel overseas, concurrent with the continuing decline in the number of chronic carriers resident in the British Isles.
Insights
This review of enteric infections in Scotland (1967-74) found Salmonella infections were common in young adults, with many cases imported due to overseas travel. Imported infections are expected to rise.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Enteric infections, including typhoid and paratyphoid fevers, pose a public health concern.
- Understanding the epidemiology of these infections is crucial for effective control measures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the incidence, sources, and characteristics of Salmonella infections in Scotland between 1967 and 1974.
- To identify trends in imported versus domestically acquired cases and associated risk factors.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 194 laboratory-confirmed cases of Salmonella typhi, Salmonella paratyphi A, and Salmonella paratyphi B infections.
- Data collection included patient demographics, clinical presentation, travel history, and laboratory findings (blood/faeces cultures).
Main Results:
- Salmonella infections predominantly affected individuals under 35, particularly young adults (15-24 years), with a notable proportion linked to overseas travel.
- 65 cases (one-third) were imported, with typhoid fever more frequently contracted abroad (54.7%) than paratyphoid B (21.2%).
- Two deaths occurred, and two individuals became chronic carriers; most patients responded well to treatment.
Conclusions:
- Overseas travel is a significant factor in Salmonella infections in Scotland, contributing to a rise in imported cases.
- A decline in resident chronic carriers is anticipated, while imported infections are projected to increase with global travel.
- Public health strategies should address the growing threat of imported enteric infections.
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