Salmonellosis in man and animals as an environmental health problem

Abstract

The Salmonella genus comprises over 1700 serotypes of pathogenic enteric bacteria. These microorganisms colonize in the intestinal tracts and mesenteric lymph nodes of man and lower vertebrates. Intra‐ and intergenus transfer of the lnfection(s) is common. Salmonellosls is highly contagious, and is frequently a cause of “food poisoning”; in man. Estimates of 100,000 to 2 million human cases with 500 deaths occur annually in the U.S. The disease in man and animals has not decreased during the last decade. Fecal contamination, by either symptomatic or occult carriers and shedders, is the primary transmission source of aalmonellosis.

The salmonellae problem and its possible resolution are intimately associated with the environment: waste disposal, including water and land use; food and feed processing, transportation and storage; livestock, poultry and dairy production; freeliving and captive wildlife hosts as infection reservoirs; household pets and companion animals; various stress factors affecting man and food‐producing animals; wholesale and retail marketing of fresh and frozen foods, and ultimately the consumer, including restaurants, involved in handling, preparation and storage of foods destined for the dinner table.

Salmonellosis cannot be eradicated in the U.S. due to the environmental complexities of the problem. We can only hope for better preventive and control measures through greater efforts in research, surveillance and education as well as awareness of the national problem.