Molecular Epidemiology of Salmonella Enterica Serovar Saintpaul Isolated from Animals, Food, and Humans in 12 European Countries

The molecular epidemiological relationship among isolates of Salmonella enterica serovar (S.) Saintpaul, which was identified in animals, food, and humans in several EU countries, was investigated. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) revealed a high degree of genetic diversity (82 XbaI PFGE profiles with 42.6% similarity) among 159 S. Saintpaul isolates from animals (n=91), food of animal origin (n=29), and humans (n=36) in 12 European countries during 2005 to 2009. Most frequent profiles (n=12) comprised almost 50% of the tested isolates. Profiles obtained in isolates from a single source within a particular geographical region or particular period of time were indistinguishable or closely related. Turkeys were confirmed as the major reservoir for S. Saintpaul. Indistinguishable PFGE profiles were identified in up to 19 isolates from turkey breeding and fattening flocks and food over the study period. Other animals, including food and pets, may also contribute to S. Saintpaul spread. International trade of animals and food, as well as travelling contributes to the spread of a specific clone to different geographical areas. Although control programmes in breeding turkey flocks, together with improved biosecurity, may interrupt the major transmission routes, it was concluded that S. Saintpaul will continue to represent a potential threat to human health.