A population-based study of the appearances of enteric Campylobacter and non-typhoidal Salmonella infections on computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: Swift identification and diagnosis of gastrointestinal infections are crucial for prompt treatment, prevention of complications, and reduction of the risk of hospital transmission. The radiological appearance on computed tomography could potentially provide important clues to the etiology of gastrointestinal infections. We aimed to describe features based on computed tomography of patients diagnosed with Campylobacter, Salmonella or Shigella infections in South Sweden. METHODS: This was a retrospective observational population-based cohort study conducted between 2019 and 2022 in Skåne, southern Sweden, a region populated by 1.4 million people. Using data from the Department of Clinical Microbiology combined with data from the Department of Radiology, we identified all patients who underwent computed tomography of the abdomen CTA two days before and up to seven days after sampling due to the suspicion of Campylobacter, Salmonella or Shigella during the study period. RESULTS: A total of 215 CTAs scans performed on 213 patients during the study period were included in the study. The median age of included patients was 45 years (range 11-86 years), and 54% (114/213) of the patients were women. Of the 215 CTAs, 80% (n = 172) had been performed due to Campylobacter and 20% (n = 43) due to Salmonella enteritis. CTA was not performed for any individual diagnosed with Shigella during the study period. There were no statistically significant differences in the radiological presentation of Campylobacter and Salmonella infections. CONCLUSION: The most common location of Campylobacter and Salmonella infections was the cecum, followed by the ascending colon. Enteric wall edema, contrast loading of the affected mucosa, and enteric fat stranding are typical features of both infections. The CTA characteristics of Campylobacter and Salmonella are similar, and cannot be used to reliably differentiate between different infectious etiologies.

Lipopolysaccharide with long O-antigen is crucial for Salmonella Enteritidis to evade complement activity and to facilitate bacterial survival in vivo in the Galleria mellonella infection model.

Bacterial resistance to serum is a key virulence factor for the development of systemic infections. The amount of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and the O-antigen chain length distribution on the outer membrane, predispose Salmonella to escape complement-mediated killing. In Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (S. Enteritidis) a modal distribution of the LPS O-antigen length can be observed. It is characterized by the presence of distinct fractions: low molecular weight LPS, long LPS and very long LPS. In the present work, we investigated the effect of the O-antigen modal length composition of LPS molecules on the surface of S. Enteritidis cells on its ability to evade host complement responses. Therefore, we examined systematically, by using specific deletion mutants, roles of different O-antigen fractions in complement evasion. We developed a method to analyze the average LPS lengths and investigated the interaction of the bacteria and isolated LPS molecules with complement components. Additionally, we assessed the aspect of LPS O-antigen chain length distribution in S. Enteritidis virulence in vivo in the Galleria mellonella infection model. The obtained results of the measurements of the average LPS length confirmed that the method is suitable for measuring the average LPS length in bacterial cells as well as isolated LPS molecules and allows the comparison between strains. In contrast to earlier studies we have used much more precise methodology to assess the LPS molecules average length and modal distribution, also conducted more subtle analysis of complement system activation by lipopolysaccharides of various molecular mass. Data obtained in the complement activation assays clearly demonstrated that S. Enteritidis bacteria require LPS with long O-antigen to resist the complement system and to survive in the G. mellonella infection model.

Prevalence, associated factors and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of Salmonella and Shigella species among diarrheic under five children in Sultan Sheik Hassan Yabere referral Hospital, Jigjiga, Eastern Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Diarrhea caused by Salmonella and Shigella species are the leading cause of illness especially in developing countries. These infections are considered as the main public health problems in children, including Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, associated factors, and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of Salmonella and Shigella species in Sheik Hassan Yabere Referral Hospital Jigjiga, Eastern Ethiopia from August 05 to November 15, 2022. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 239 under-five children with diarrhea selected through a convenient sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was used to collect associated factors. A stool sample was collected and processed for the identification of Salmonella and Shigella species using MacConkey adar, Xylose Lysine Deoxycholate agar (Oxoid Ltd) and Biochemical tests. The antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of isolates was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion technique. The data was entered into Epi-data version 4.6 and exported to the statistical package of social science version 22 for analysis. The association between outcome and independent variables was assessed using bivariate, multivariable, and chi-square and P-value < 0.05 was considered as statistical significance. RESULT: Overall prevalence of Salmonella and Shigella species was 6.3% (95% CI, 5.7-6.9%), of which 3.8% (95 CI, 3.2-4.4%) were Salmonella species and 2.5% (95% CI, 1.95-3%) were Shigella species. Unimproved water source (AOR = 5.08, 95% CI = 1.45, 17.25), open field (AOR = 2.3, 95% CI = 1.3, 5.03), rural residence (AOR = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.4, 7.5), Hand-washing practice (p = 0.001), and raw meat consumption (p = 0.002) were associated with occurrence of Salmonella and Shigella species. Salmonella and Shigella isolates were resistant to Ampicilin (100%). However, Salmonella isolates was sensitive to Norfloxacin (100%). About 22.2% and 16.7% of Salmonella and Shigella isolates were multi-drug resistant, respectively. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of Salmonella and Shigella species were lower than most studies done in Ethiopia. Hand-washing habit, water source type, Open field waste disposal habit, raw meat consumption and rural residence were associated with Salmonellosis and shigellosis. All isolated Salmonella were sensitive to norfloxacin. The evidence from this study underscores the need for improved water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) system and the imperative to implement drug susceptibility tests for the treatment of Salmonella and Shigella infection.

Prevalence of multidrug resistance Salmonella species isolated from clinical specimens at University of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital Northwest Ethiopia: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Multidrug resistance Salmonellosis remains an important public health problem globally. The disease is among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in developing countries, but there have been limited recent studies about the prevalence, antimicrobial resistance, and multidrug resistance patterns of Salmonella isolates from various clinical specimens. OBJECTIVE: Aimed to assess the prevalence, antimicrobial resistance, and multidrug resistance patterns of Salmonella isolates from clinical specimens at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialised Hospital, northwestern Ethiopia. METHOD: A retrospective hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence, antimicrobial resistance, and multidrug resistance patterns of isolated from all clinical specimens at the University of Gondar Salmonella Comprehensive Specialised Hospital from June 1st, 2017 to June 3rd, 2022. A total of 26,154 data points were collected using a checklist of records of laboratory registration. Clinical specimens were collected, inoculated, and incubated for about a week with visual inspection for growth and gram staining. The isolates were grown on MacConkey agar and Xylose Lysine Deoxycholate agar. Pure colonies were identified with a conventional biochemical test, and those unidentified at the species level were further identified by the analytical profile index-20E. Then, antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion technique. The multidrug resistance Salmonella isolates was identified using the criteria set by Magiorakos. Finally, the data was cleaned and checked for completeness and then entered into SPSS version 26 for analysis. Then the results were displayed using tables and figures. RESULTS: Of the total 26,154 Salmonella suspected clinical samples, 41 (0.16%) Salmonella species were isolated. Most of the Salmonella isolates, 19 (46.3%), were in the age group of less than 18 years, followed by the age group of 19-44 years, 11 (26.8%). In this study, S. enterica subsp. arizonae accounts for the highest 21 (51%), followed by S. paratyphi A 9 (22%). Of the Salmonella isolates, S. typhi were highly resistant to ampicillin (100%), followed by tetracycline and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, each accounting for 83.3%. Furthermore, S. paratyphi A was resistant to ampicillin (100%), tetracycline (88.9%), and chloramphenicol (88.9%). The overall multi-drug resistance prevalence was 22 (53.7%; 95% CI: 39.7-61). Accordingly, S. paratyphi A was 100% multidrug-resistant, followed by S. typhi (66.6%). CONCLUSION: A low prevalence of Salmonella species was observed in the past six years. Moreover, most S. typhi and S. paratyphi strains in the study area were found to be resistant to routinely recommended antibiotics like ciprofloxacin and ceftriaxone, compared to what was reported earlier. In addition, all isolates of S. paratyphi A and the majority of S. typhi were multidrug resistant. Therefore, health professionals should consider antimicrobial susceptibility tests and use antibiotics with caution for Salmonellosis management.

Presence of phage-plasmids in multiple serovars of Salmonella enterica.

Evidence is accumulating in the literature that the horizontal spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes mediated by bacteriophages and bacteriophage-like plasmid (phage-plasmid) elements is much more common than previously envisioned. For instance, we recently identified and characterized a circular P1-like phage-plasmid harbouring a bla CTX-M-15 gene conferring extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) resistance in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi. As the prevalence and epidemiological relevance of such mechanisms has never been systematically assessed in Enterobacterales, in this study we carried out a follow-up retrospective analysis of UK Salmonella isolates previously sequenced as part of routine surveillance protocols between 2016 and 2021. Using a high-throughput bioinformatics pipeline we screened 47 784 isolates for the presence of the P1 lytic replication gene repL, identifying 226 positive isolates from 25 serovars and demonstrating that phage-plasmid elements are more frequent than previously thought. The affinity for phage-plasmids appears highly serovar-dependent, with several serovars being more likely hosts than others; most of the positive isolates (170/226) belonged to S. Typhimurium ST34 and ST19. The phage-plasmids ranged between 85.8 and 98.2 kb in size, with an average length of 92.1 kb; detailed analysis indicated a high amount of diversity in gene content and genomic architecture. In total, 132 phage-plasmids had the p0111 plasmid replication type, and 94 the IncY type; phylogenetic analysis indicated that both horizontal and vertical gene transmission mechanisms are likely to be involved in phage-plasmid propagation. Finally, phage-plasmids were present in isolates that were resistant and non-resistant to antimicrobials. In addition to providing a first comprehensive view of the presence of phage-plasmids in Salmonella, our work highlights the need for a better surveillance and understanding of phage-plasmids as AMR carriers, especially through their characterization with long-read sequencing.

Antimicrobial resistance and genetic relatedness of Salmonella serotypes isolated from food, asymptomatic carriers, and clinical cases in Shiyan, China.

Salmonella is a primary cause of foodborne diseases globally. Despite food contamination and clinical infections garnering substantial attention and research, asymptomatic Salmonella carriers, potential sources of infection, have been comparatively overlooked. In this study, we conducted a comparative analysis of serotype distribution, antimicrobial resistance phenotypes, and genetic profiles of archived Salmonella strains isolated from food (26), asymptomatic carriers (41), and clinical cases (47) in Shiyan City, China. Among the 114 Salmonella strains identified, representing 31 serotypes and 34 Sequence Types (STs), the most prevalent serovars included Typhimurium, Derby, Enteritidis, Thompson, and London, with the most predominant STs being ST11, ST40, ST26, ST34, and ST155. Antimicrobial resistance testing revealed that all strains were only sensitive to meropenem, with 74.6% showing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and 53.5% demonstrating multidrug resistance (MDR). Strains resistant to five and six classes of antibiotics were the most common. Pearson's chi-square test showed no statistically significant difference in the occurrence of AMR (p = 0.105) or MDR (p = 0.326) among Salmonella isolates from the three sources. Our findings underscore associations and diversities among Salmonella strains isolated from food, asymptomatic carriers, and clinical patients, emphasizing the need for increased vigilance towards asymptomatic Salmonella carriers by authorities.

Salmonella exploits membrane reservoirs for invasion of host cells.

Salmonella utilizes a type 3 secretion system to translocate virulence proteins (effectors) into host cells during infection1. The effectors modulate host cell machinery to drive uptake of the bacteria into vacuoles, where they can establish an intracellular replicative niche. A remarkable feature of Salmonella invasion is the formation of actin-rich protuberances (ruffles) on the host cell surface that contribute to bacterial uptake. However, the membrane source for ruffle formation and how these bacteria regulate membrane mobilization within host cells remains unclear. Here, we show that Salmonella exploits membrane reservoirs for the generation of invasion ruffles. The reservoirs are pre-existing tubular compartments associated with the plasma membrane (PM) and are formed through the activity of RAB10 GTPase. Under normal growth conditions, membrane reservoirs contribute to PM homeostasis and are preloaded with the exocyst subunit EXOC2. During Salmonella invasion, the bacterial effectors SipC, SopE2, and SopB recruit exocyst subunits from membrane reservoirs and other cellular compartments, thereby allowing exocyst complex assembly and membrane delivery required for bacterial uptake. Our findings reveal an important role for RAB10 in the establishment of membrane reservoirs and the mechanisms by which Salmonella can exploit these compartments during host cell invasion.

[Etiological characterization of invasive non-typhoid Salmonella strains in Guangdong Province from 2018 to 2022].

Objective: To understand the serotype distribution, drug resistance and molecular characterization of invasive non-typhoid Salmonella (iNTS) in Guangdong Province from 2018 to 2022 and provide scientific evidence for the prevention and treatment of blood flow infection caused by Salmonella. Methods: Serological identification, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, multilocus sequence typing (MLST), and whole genome sequencing were performed on Salmonella isolated from blood and stool samples in Guangdong from 2018 to 2022. Simultaneously, annotated the sequencing results for drug resistance genes and virulence factors by a microbial gene annotation system. Results: The 136 iNTS strains were divided into 25 serotypes, and Salmonella enteritidis accounted for 38.24% (52/136). The OR of other iNTS serotypes were calculated with Salmonella typhimurium as the control. The OR values of Oreninburg, Rysson, and Pomona serotypes were the highest, which were 423.50, 352.92, and 211.75, respectively. The drug resistance rate of iNTS was 0.74%-66.91%, which was lower than that of non-iNTS (3.90%-77.21%). The main iNTS of drug resistance were ampicillin and tetracycline, with resistance rates of 66.91% (91/136) and 50.00% (68/136), respectively, while the resistance rates to ciprofloxacin (5.88%,8/136), ceftazidime (5.88%,8/136), gentamicin (5.13%,7/136) and cefoxitin (0.74%, 1/136) were relatively low. iNTS carried a variety of drug-resistance genes and virulence factors, but no standard virulence factor distribution has been found. MLST cluster analysis showed that iNTS was divided into 26 sequence types, and ST11 accounted for 38.24% (52/136). Conclusions: The iNTS strains in Guangdong were dominated by Salmonella enteritidis, of which three serotypes, Oreninburg, Rison, and Pomona, may be associated with a higher risk of invasive infection during 2018 to 2022. iNTS was sensitive to clinical first-line therapeutic drugs (cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones), with highly diverse sequences and clear phylogenetic branches. ST11 was the local dominant clone group.

Novel Synergistic Probiotic Intervention: Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Analysis Reveals Ameliorative Effects on Immunity, Gut Barrier, and Metabolism of Mice during Salmonella typhimurium Infection.

Salmonella typhimurium (S. typhimurium), a prevalent cause of foodborne infection, induces significant changes in the host transcriptome and metabolome. The lack of therapeutics with minimal or no side effects prompts the scientific community to explore alternative therapies. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of a probiotic mixture comprising Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus 1.3251) and Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum 9513) against S. typhimurium, utilizing transcriptome and metabolomic analyses, a novel approach that has not been previously documented. Twenty-four SPF-BALB/c mice were divided into four groups: control negative group (CNG); positive control group (CPG); probiotic-supplemented non-challenged group (LAPG); and probiotic-supplemented Salmonella-challenged group (LAPST). An RNA-sequencing analysis of small intestinal (ileum) tissue revealed 2907 upregulated and 394 downregulated DEGs in the LAPST vs. CPG group. A functional analysis of DEGs highlighted their significantly altered gene ontology (GO) terms related to metabolism, gut integrity, cellular development, and immunity (p ≤ 0.05). The KEGG analysis showed that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the LAPST group were primarily involved in pathways related to gut integrity, immunity, and metabolism, such as MAPK, PI3K-Akt, AMPK, the tryptophan metabolism, the glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism, ECM-receptor interaction, and others. Additionally, the fecal metabolic analysis identified 1215 upregulated and 305 downregulated metabolites in the LAPST vs. CPG group, implying their involvement in KEGG pathways including bile secretion, propanoate metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism, amino acid biosynthesis, and protein digestion and absorption, which are vital for maintaining barrier integrity, immunity, and metabolism. In conclusion, these findings suggest that the administration of a probiotic mixture improves immunity, maintains gut homeostasis and barrier integrity, and enhances metabolism in Salmonella infection.

Salmonella Typhimurium employs spermidine to exert protection against ROS-mediated cytotoxicity and rewires host polyamine metabolism to ameliorate its survival in macrophages.

Salmonella infection entails a cascade of attacks and defence measures. After breaching the intestinal epithelial barrier, Salmonella is phagocytosed by macrophages, where the bacteria encounter multiple stresses, to which it employs relevant countermeasures. Our study shows that, in Salmonella, the polyamine spermidine activates a stress response mechanism by regulating critical antioxidant genes. Salmonella Typhimurium mutants for spermidine transport and synthesis cannot mount an antioxidative response, resulting in high intracellular ROS levels. These mutants are also compromised in their ability to be phagocytosed by macrophages. Furthermore, it regulates a novel enzyme in Salmonella, Glutathionyl-spermidine synthetase (GspSA), which prevents the oxidation of proteins in E. coli. Moreover, the spermidine mutants and the GspSA mutant show significantly reduced survival in the presence of hydrogen peroxide in vitro and reduced organ burden in the mouse model of Salmonella infection. Conversely, in macrophages isolated from gp91phox-/- mice, we observed a rescue in the attenuated fold proliferation previously observed upon infection. We found that Salmonella upregulates polyamine biosynthesis in the host through its effectors from SPI-1 and SPI-2, which addresses the attenuated proliferation observed in spermidine transport mutants. Thus, inhibition of this pathway in the host abrogates the proliferation of Salmonella Typhimurium in macrophages. From a therapeutic perspective, inhibiting host polyamine biosynthesis using an FDA-approved chemopreventive drug, D, L-α-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO), reduces Salmonella colonisation and tissue damage in the mouse model of infection while enhancing the survival of infected mice. Therefore, our work provides a mechanistic insight into the critical role of spermidine in stress resistance of Salmonella. It also reveals a bacterial strategy in modulating host metabolism to promote their intracellular survival and shows the potential of DFMO to curb Salmonella infection.

Direct Salmonella injection into enteroid cells allows the study of host-pathogen interactions in the cytosol with high spatiotemporal resolution.

Intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) play pivotal roles in nutrient uptake and in the protection against gut microorganisms. However, certain enteric pathogens, such as Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Tm), can invade IECs by employing flagella and type III secretion systems (T3SSs) with cognate effector proteins and exploit IECs as a replicative niche. Detection of flagella or T3SS proteins by IECs results in rapid host cell responses, i.e., the activation of inflammasomes. Here, we introduce a single-cell manipulation technology based on fluidic force microscopy (FluidFM) that enables direct bacteria delivery into the cytosol of single IECs within a murine enteroid monolayer. This approach allows to specifically study pathogen-host cell interactions in the cytosol uncoupled from preceding events such as docking, initiation of uptake, or vacuole escape. Consistent with current understanding, we show using a live-cell inflammasome reporter that exposure of the IEC cytosol to S. Tm induces NAIP/NLRC4 inflammasomes via its known ligands flagellin and T3SS rod and needle. Injected S. Tm mutants devoid of these invasion-relevant ligands were able to grow in the cytosol of IECs despite the absence of T3SS functions, suggesting that, in the absence of NAIP/NLRC4 inflammasome activation and the ensuing cell death, no effector-mediated host cell manipulation is required to render the epithelial cytosol growth-permissive for S. Tm. Overall, the experimental system to introduce S. Tm into single enteroid cells enables investigations into the molecular basis governing host-pathogen interactions in the cytosol with high spatiotemporal resolution.

Genomic analysis of Salmonella isolated from canal water in Bangkok, Thailand.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses an escalating global public health threat. Canals are essential in Thailand, including the capital city, Bangkok, as agricultural and daily water sources. However, the characteristic and antimicrobial-resistance properties of the bacteria in the urban canals have never been elucidated. This study employed whole genome sequencing to characterize 30 genomes of a causal pathogenic bacteria, Salmonella enterica, isolated from Bangkok canal water between 2016 and 2020. The dominant serotype was Salmonella Agona. In total, 35 AMR genes and 30 chromosomal-mediated gene mutations were identified, in which 21 strains carried both acquired genes and mutations associated with fluoroquinolone resistance. Virulence factors associated with invasion, adhesion, and survival during infection were detected in all study strains. 75.9% of the study stains were multidrug-resistant and all the strains harbored the necessary virulence factors associated with salmonellosis. One strain carried 20 resistance genes, including mcr-3.1, mutations in GyrA, ParC, and ParE, and typhoid toxin-associated genes. Fifteen plasmid replicon types were detected, with Col(pHAD28) being the most common type. Comparative analysis of nine S. Agona from Bangkok and 167 from public databases revealed that specific clonal lineages of S. Agona might have been circulating between canal water and food sources in Thailand and globally. These findings provide insight into potential pathogens in the aquatic ecosystem and support the inclusion of environmental samples into comprehensive AMR surveillance initiatives as part of a One Health approach. This approach aids in comprehending the rise and dissemination of AMR and devising sustainable intervention strategies.IMPORTANCEBangkok is the capital city of Thailand and home to a large canal network that serves the city in various ways. The presence of pathogenic and antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella is alarming and poses a significant public health risk. The present study is the first characterization of the genomic of Salmonella strains from Bangkok canal water. Twenty-two of 29 strains (75.9%) were multidrug-resistant Salmonella and all the strains carried essential virulence factors for pathogenesis. Various plasmid types were identified in these strains, potentially facilitating the horizontal transfer of AMR genes. Additional investigations indicated a potential circulation of S. Agona between canal water and food sources in Thailand. The current study underscores the role of environmental water in an urban city as a reservoir of pathogens and these data obtained can serve as a basis for public health risk assessment and help shape intervention strategies to combat AMR challenges in Thailand.

Functional Divergence of the Paralog Salmonella Effector Proteins SopD and SopD2 and Their Contributions to Infection.

Salmonella enterica is a leading cause of bacterial food-borne illness in humans and is responsible for millions of cases annually. A critical strategy for the survival of this pathogen is the translocation of bacterial virulence factors termed effectors into host cells, which primarily function via protein-protein interactions with host proteins. The Salmonella genome encodes several paralogous effectors believed to have arisen from duplication events throughout the course of evolution. These paralogs can share structural similarities and enzymatic activities but have also demonstrated divergence in host cell targets or interaction partners and contributions to the intracellular lifecycle of Salmonella. The paralog effectors SopD and SopD2 share 63% amino acid sequence similarity and extensive structural homology yet have demonstrated divergence in secretion kinetics, intracellular localization, host targets, and roles in infection. SopD and SopD2 target host Rab GTPases, which represent critical regulators of intracellular trafficking that mediate diverse cellular functions. While SopD and SopD2 both manipulate Rab function, these paralogs display differences in Rab specificity, and the effectors have also evolved multiple mechanisms of action for GTPase manipulation. Here, we highlight this intriguing pair of paralog effectors in the context of host-pathogen interactions and discuss how this research has presented valuable insights into effector evolution.

An inulin-based glycovesicle for pathogen-targeted drug delivery to ameliorate salmonellosis.

The gut microbiota plays a significant role in the pathogenesis and remission of inflammatory bowel disease. However, conventional antibiotic therapies may alter microbial ecology and lead to dysbiosis of the gut microbiome, which greatly limits therapeutic efficacy. To address this challenge, novel nanomicelles that couple inulin with levofloxacin via disulfide bonds for the treatment of salmonellosis were developed in this study. Owing to their H2S-responsiveness, the nanomicelles can target the inflamed colon and rapidly release levofloxacin to selectively fight against enteric pathogens. Moreover, the embedded inulin can serve as prebiotic fiber to increase the amount of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli in mice with salmonellosis, thus maintaining the intestinal mechanical barrier and regulating the balance of the intestinal flora. Therefore, multifunctional nanomicelles had a better curative effect than pure levofloxacin on ameliorating inflammation in vivo. The pathogen-targeted glycovesicle represents a promising drug delivery platform to maximize the efficacy of antibacterial drugs for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.

Sucrose-fermenting Salmonella Typhimurium N23-2364: a challenge for the diagnostic laboratory.

We describe a case of Salmonella infection caused by a sucrose-fermenting Salmonella enterica Typhimurium sequence type 12 which acquired transposon CTnscr94 carrying the sucrose operon scrKYABR. Sucrose-fermenting Salmonella are particularly challenging for culture-based detection and may lead to failure to detect Salmonella in clinical samples.

Salmonella infections in Denmark from 2013-2022 with focus on serotype distribution, invasiveness, age, sex, and travel exposition.

PURPOSE: To analyze the nationwide incidence of Salmonella infections in Denmark from 2013 to 2022. METHODS: Confirmed cases of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica were examined using the National Register of Enteric Pathogens during 2013-2022. Proportions, incidence rates (IR), relative risk (RR), and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated to assess differences in serotypes, invasiveness, age, sex, and travel exposure. RESULTS: We identified 9,944 Danish Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica cases, with an average annual incidence rate of 16.9 per 100,000 inhabitants, declining during the COVID-19 pandemic. Typhoidal cases totaled 206, with an average annual IR of 0.35 per 100,000 inhabitants. Enteric fever patients had a median age of 24 years (IQR:17-36). Leading non-typhoid Salmonella (NTS) serotypes were S. Enteritidis (26.4%), monophasic S. Typhimurium (16.5%), and S. Typhimurium (13.5%). Median age for NTS cases was 42 (IQR: 18-62), with even sex distribution, and a third reported travel prior to onset of disease. The overall percentage of invasive NTS (iNTS) infection was 8.1% (CI: 7.6-8.7). Eleven serotypes were associated with higher invasiveness, with S. Dublin and S. Panama having the highest invasiveness with age and sex-adjusted RR of 7.31 (CI: 6.35-8.43) and 5.42 (CI: 3.42-8.60), respectively, compared to all other NTS serotypes. Increased age was associated with higher RR for iNTS infection. CONCLUSION: During the decade, there was a limited number of typhoidal cases. The dominant NTS serotypes were S. Enteritidis and monophasic S. Typhimurium, whereas S. Dublin and S. Panama exhibited the highest invasive potential.

Genetic Characteristics of Salmonella Isolates Recovered From Reused Broiler Litter Over Three Successive Flocks.

Salmonella infections are a leading cause of bacterial food-borne illness worldwide. Infections are highly associated with the consumption of contaminated food, and in particular, chicken meat. The severity of Salmonella infections depends on the presence of antimicrobial resistance genes and virulence factors. While there are many studies which have investigated Salmonella strains isolated from postharvest chicken samples, there is a gap in our understanding of the genetic properties that influence the persistence of Salmonella in preharvest and in particular their makeup of antimicrobial resistance genes and virulence factors. We used whole genome sequencing and hierarchical clustering to characterize and classify the genetic diversity of Salmonella enterica isolates (n = 55) recovered from the litter of commercial broiler chicken raised in four colocated broiler houses of one integrated farm over three consecutive flocks. The chicken were raised under a newly adopted "No Antibiotics Ever" program, and copper sulfate was administered via drinking water. In-silico serovar prediction identified three S. enterica serovars: Enteritidis (n = 12), Kentucky (n = 40), and Senftenberg (n = 3). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed that only one S. Kentucky isolate was resistant to streptomycin, while the remaining isolates were susceptible to all antibiotics tested. Metal resistance operons, including copper and silver, were identified chromosomally and on plasmids in serovar Senftenberg and Kentucky isolates, respectively, while serovar Enteritidis carried several virulence factors on plasmids. Serovar Kentucky isolates harboring metal resistance operons were the only Salmonella isolates recovered from the litter of third flock cohort. These results suggest that there might be environmental selection for Salmonella strains carrying plasmid-associated metal resistance and virulence genes, which could play a role in their persistence in litter.

Emergence of a clinical Salmonella enterica serovar 1,4,[5], 12: i:-isolate, ST3606, in China with susceptibility decrease to ceftazidime-avibactam carrying a novel blaCTX-M-261 variant and a blaNDM-5.

PURPOSE: The detection rate of Salmonella enterica serovar 1,4,[5], 12: i: - (S. 1,4,[5], 12: i: -) has increased as the most common serotype globally. A S. 1,4,[5], 12: i: - strain named ST3606 (sequence type 34), isolated from a fecal specimen of a child with acute diarrhea hospitalized in a tertiary hospital in China, was firstly reported to be resistant to carbapenem and ceftazidime-avibactam. The aim of this study was to characterize the whole-genome sequence of S. 1,4,[5], 12: i: - isolate, ST3606, and explore its antibiotic resistance genes and their genetic environments. METHODS: The genomic DNA of S. 1,4,[5], 12: i: - ST3606 was extracted and performed with single-molecule real-time sequencing. Resistance genes, plasmid replicon type, mobile elements, and multilocus sequence types (STs) of ST3606 were identified by ResFinder 3.2, PlasmidFinder, OriTfinder database, ISfinder database, and MLST 2.0, respectively. The conjugation experiment was utilized to evaluate the conjugation frequency of pST3606-2. Protein expression and enzyme kinetics experiments of CTX-M were performed to analyze hydrolytic activity of a novel CTX-M-261 enzyme toward several antibiotics. RESULTS: Single-molecule real-time sequencing revealed the coexistence of a 109-kb IncI1-Iα plasmid pST3606-1 and a 70.5-kb IncFII plasmid pST3606-2. The isolate carried resistance genes, including blaNDM-5, sul1, qacE, aadA2, and dfrA12 in pST3606-1, blaTEM-1B, aac(3)-lld, and blaCTX-M-261, a novel blaCTX-M-1 family member, in pST3606-2, and aac(6')-Iaa in chromosome. The blaCTX-M-261 was derived from blaCTX-M-55 by a single-nucleotide mutation 751G>A leading to amino acid substitution of Val for Met at position 251 (Val251Met), which conferred CTX-M increasing resistance to ceftazidime verified by antibiotics susceptibility testing of transconjugants carrying pST3606-2 and steady-state kinetic parameters of CTX-M-261. pST3606-1 is an IncI1-α incompatibility type that shares homology with plasmids of pC-F-164_A-OXA140, pE-T654-NDM-5, p_dm760b_NDM-5, and p_dmcr749c_NDM-5. The conjugation experiment demonstrated that pST3606-2 was successfully transferred to the Escherichia coli recipient C600 with four modules of OriTfinder. CONCLUSION: Plasmid-mediated horizontal transfer plays an important role in blaNDM-5 and blaCTX-M-261 dissemination, which increases the threat to public health due to the resistance to most ß-lactam antibiotics. This is the first report of blaCTX-M-261 and blaNDM-5 in S. 1,4,[5], 12: i: -. The work provides insights into the enzymatic function and demonstrates the ongoing evolution of CTX-M enzymes and confirms urgency to control resistance of S. 1,4,[5], 12: i: -.

Diversity of evolution in MDR monophasic S. Typhimurium among food animals and food products in Southern China from 2011 to 2018.

The monophasic variant of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium with the antigenic formula 1,4,[5],12:i:- is one of the most common pathogenic bacteria causing global food-borne outbreaks. However, the research on molecular characteristics and evolution of monophasic S. typhimurium in China is still lacking. In the current study, 59 monophasic S. typhimurium strains were isolated from food animals and food products in South China between 2011 and 2018. A total of 87.5 % of monophasic S. typhimurium isolates were grouped into one independent clade with other monophasic S. typhimurium strains in China distinct from other countries by phylogenomic analysis. These isolates possess variable genotypes, including multiple ARGs on plasmid IncHI2, diverse evolutions at the fljAB locus, and virulence factors. Our results suggest that the monophasic S. typhimurium isolates currently circulating in China might be an independent epidemic subtype.

Persistent Salmonella infections in humans are associated with mutations in the BarA/SirA regulatory pathway.

Several bacterial pathogens, including Salmonella enterica, can cause persistent infections in humans by mechanisms that are poorly understood. By comparing genomes of isolates longitudinally collected from 256 prolonged salmonellosis patients, we identified repeated mutations in global regulators, including the barA/sirA two-component regulatory system, across multiple patients and Salmonella serovars. Comparative RNA-seq analysis revealed that distinct mutations in barA/sirA led to diminished expression of Salmonella pathogenicity islands 1 and 4 genes, which are required for Salmonella invasion and enteritis. Moreover, barA/sirA mutants were attenuated in an acute salmonellosis mouse model and induced weaker transcription of host immune responses. In contrast, in a persistent infection mouse model, these mutants exhibited long-term colonization and prolonged shedding. Taken together, these findings suggest that selection of mutations in global virulence regulators facilitates persistent Salmonella infection in humans, by attenuating Salmonella virulence and inducing a weaker host inflammatory response.