16.10.2012

International Journal of Food Microbiology (2012) 157:108-112

The analysis of the EU baseline survey on the prevalence of Salmonella in broiler flocks in the EU 2005–2006, prepared by the EFSA identified that the three most frequently isolated Salmonella serovars from broiler flocks in the European Union were, in decreasing order, S. Enteritidis (37.1%), S. Infantis (20.4%) and S. Mbandaka (7.9%). The first two serovars are also frequent causes of Salmonella infections in people. Among EU Member states, Hungary had the highest rate of S. Infantis (64% flock prevalence) in broilers, followed by Poland with 8%, and Czech Republic with 2.5% flock prevalence.
This study performed by a group from Hungary, investigates the potential spread of the previously described multidrug-resistant (MDR) Hungarian clone of Salmonella Infantis of broiler origin in Europe. The results suggest that two large related clusters (A and B) of S. Infantis isolates can be found in various European countries, of which Austrian and Polish MDR clones of cluster B are identical with, or closely related to, the dominant Hungarian clone. The emergence of a few dominant MDR S. Infantis clones in broilers reported here, raises the possibility that further dissemination of such clones in broilers and in broiler meat may occur and represent a potential threat to public health in Europe.