Non Typhoidal Salmonellae and its aetiological spectrum-An overview with Indian perspective

Abstract

Non Typhoidal Salmonellae (NTS) is emerging as a major health problem. NTS serovars have a wide variety of host range varying from domestic animals, aquatic fauna, reptiles, arthropods, leafy vegetables and many more. This zoonotic infection manifests as self limited gastroenteritis associated with food poisoning to fatal extra intestinal invasive infections. In this overview, an attempt is made to compile the documented reports due to NTS from Indian subcontinent for the last 5 decades, searching the available databases. These reports emphasizes the role of NTS in diverse clinical infections and the possible links of transmission. Prophylactic measures such as adoption of quality measures in fish and meat processing units, vaccination of farm animals, serotyping of all NTS strains, above all health education and public awareness program should be made mandatory to minimize the incidence of NTS in our country.