Salmonella Infections in the U. S. A.

Abstract

Summary Among 1916 Salmonella cultures of human origin (excluding S. typhi) we found 46 different types occurring in this country. Together with those identified in a previous series of 1000 cultures the total of types identified in our laboratory is 53. The type distribution conforms to that previously reported: preponderance of S. typhi murium followed by S. paratyphi B and members of the C group next. Some variations in incidence, f.i. increase of SS. newport, oranienburg, anatum, panama, slight decrease of S. cholerae suis, are of minor importance. Clinical manifestations run the gamut from mild or severe gastroenteritis to septicemia and typhoidal forms or localized inflammatory processes. The outstanding invasiveness of S. cholerae suis was confirmed. There was an overall case fatality of 5.1%; that of S. cholerae suis infections was as high as 26%. The number of healthy carriers in the civilian population, especially those at large, was cosiderable: 19.5% of all stool cultures submitted. Children are dominantly involved in Salmonella infections; of 1497 studied civilian cases 40% were children under 10 years of age, 17% were infants. A pooled O-antiserum is recommended for the screening of suspected cultures. Ours covered more than 99% of all examined cultures. Problems of classification of the enteric group of bacteria have been discussed. Our findings suggest the need for a revision of the methods of control of Salmonellosis.