Pathogenicity of Salmonella enteritidis in poultry

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Food Safety
• Microbiology

Background:

• Salmonella enteritidis (S. enteritidis) is a significant zoonotic pathogen affecting mammals and fowls.
• Increased human food poisoning outbreaks linked to S. enteritidis highlight the need to understand its transmission routes.
• Contaminated eggs and egg products are identified as primary sources of human S. enteritidis infection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the pathogenicity of S. enteritidis in poultry.
• To understand the factors influencing S. enteritidis infection outcomes in chickens.
• To review virulence factors associated with S. enteritidis.

Main Methods:

• Epidemiological analysis of food poisoning outbreaks.
• Gross pathological observations in naturally and experimentally infected poultry.
• Experimental infection of chicks and laying hens with S. enteritidis isolates.

Main Results:

• S. enteritidis can cause systemic infections in poultry, leading to prolonged fecal shedding.
• Variations in mortality, clinical signs, shedding, and egg contamination were observed based on bacterial strain, phage type, bird age, and inoculum size.
• Isolation of S. enteritidis from ovaries, oviducts, and egg contents suggests transovarian transmission in chickens.

Conclusions:

• Poultry, particularly chickens, are significant reservoirs for S. enteritidis, with potential for transovarian transmission.
• Understanding S. enteritidis pathogenicity and transmission in poultry is crucial for preventing human infections.
• Virulence factors of S. enteritidis play a role in its infection dynamics in avian hosts.