Salmonella Strains in Humans Distinct from Animals

November 13, 2008 — 

Researchers at the University of California, Santa Barbara have determined that human strains of Salmonella are different from those derived from animal sources.

There are more than 2,300 strains of Salmonella. Although antibody-based classification of these strains has been useful epidemiologically, it provides limited information concerning bacterial diversity, evolutionary relatedness, and disease-causing potential. Many of these strains are also becoming resistant to powerful antibiotics.

The research, funded by USDA's CSREES National Research Initiative, tested the virulence in mice of 184 human and animal strains of Salmonella. The findings suggest that human-derived Salmonella isolates are distinct from those of animal origin as relates to virulence. The researchers believe that characterization of these bacterial strain variants may provide insight into the relative disease-causing ability of Salmonella and the development of treatment and prophylactic strategies for salmonellosis.

This project brings scientists one step closer to developing a promising live Salmonella vaccine. Such a vaccine would provide a protective immune response across the animal-human realm, resulting in improved animal well-being, a safer food supply, and increased public health.

Additional information is available online in the CSREES newsroom.