Salmonellosis as a neglected emerging zoonotic threat in Africa: situation in South Africa.

Abstract

Abstract Typhoidal and non-typhoidal salmonellosis have emerged as prominent causes of bloodstream infection in Africa with high fatalities up to 47%. The transmission routes of typhoidal and reservoir hosts of non-typhoidal Salmonella are not fully understood in Africa. Diverse challenges with in-country peculiarities create a thriving condition for salmonellosis thus a need for an appraisal of historical and contemporary epidemiology of salmonellosis in Africa, with specific focus on each country. South Africa (SA) situation was reviewed as part of the attempt to explore the situation analysis of Salmonella prevalence in Africa. This will contribute towards the knowledge of epidemiology that will assist to curb the threat of salmonellosis in Africa. However with a review of accessible publications, very limited and fragmented scientific evidence of Salmonella epidemiology exist. SA has documented existence of Salmonella spp. in various ranges of food producing animals and their environment sometimes clinical incidences but no systematic link to provide full epidemiological inferences. With the existing gaps on Salmonella infection and salmonellosis in humans and animals in SA; there is the need for concerted efforts to determine the epidemiology of salmonellosis, and conduct conventional and molecular characterization of Salmonella spp. Prevention and control of Salmonella infection in poultry and other livestock are vital measures to counter the threat of human salmonellosis in SA. These are very important because of the role of SA as a major exporter of poultry, ostriches and livestock products globally and especially other members of Southern African Development Community (SADC).