Salmonella Outbreaks in Georgia
Author Information
Author(s): Alexander Sulakvelidze, Merab Kekelidze, Durmishkhan Turabelidze, Shota Tsanava, Lia Tevsadze, Lamara Devdariani, Romesh Gautom, Robert Myers, J. Glenn Morris, Jr., Paata Imnadze
Primary Institution: University of Maryland School of Medicine
Hypothesis
Are the three distinct outbreaks of salmonellosis in Georgia related?
Conclusion
The study suggests that three outbreaks of salmonellosis were actually part of one large outbreak caused by a distinct clonal strain of S. Typhimurium.
Supporting Evidence
- All 59 hospitalized persons were interviewed to determine a possible common source of infection.
- Salmonella Typhimurium was isolated from stool samples of 25 (42%) of the hospitalized patients.
- The hospitalization rate of these patients was approximately seven times higher than the usual rate for Salmonella cases in Georgia.
Takeaway
There were three outbreaks of sickness from Salmonella in Georgia, but they were all caused by the same type of bacteria.
Methodology
Molecular typing techniques including arbitrary primed polymerase chain reaction and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis were used to analyze Salmonella strains.
Limitations
The inability to isolate Salmonella from most patients may have been influenced by prior antibiotic treatment.
Participant Demographics
The outbreaks affected a total of 91 persons, including children and adults attending social events.
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