Global phylogeography and evolutionary history of Shigella dysenteriae type 1.

Together with plague, smallpox and typhus, epidemics of dysentery have been a major scourge of human populations for centuries(1). A previous genomic study concluded that Shigella dysenteriae type 1 (Sd1), the epidemic dysentery bacillus, emerged and spread worldwide after the First World War, with no clear pattern of transmission(2). This is not consistent with the massive cyclic dysentery epidemics reported in Europe during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries(1,3,4) and the first isolation of Sd1 in Japan in 1897(5).

Supplement 2008-2010 (no. 48) to the White-Kauffmann-Le Minor scheme.

This supplement (no. 48) of the White-Kauffmann-Le Minor scheme reports on the characterization of 63 new Salmonella serovars and 25 new variants of previously described Salmonella serovars recognized by the WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Salmonella between 2008 and 2010. Forty-four new serovars were assigned to Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica, 12 to subspecies salamae, two to subspecies arizonae, two to subspecies diarizonae and three to subspecies houtenae.

Babies and bearded dragons: sudden increase in reptile-associated Salmonella enterica serovar Tennessee infections, Germany 2008.

Introduction: In 2008 a marked increase in Salmonella enterica serovar Tennessee infections in infants occurred in Germany. In March and April 2008, eight cases were notified compared to a median of 0-1 cases in 2001-2006.

Materials And Methods: We carried out an investigation including a case-control study to identify the source of infection.

Supplement 2003-2007 (No. 47) to the White-Kauffmann-Le Minor scheme.

This supplement reports the characterization of 70 new Salmonella serovars recognized between 2003 and 2007 by the WHO Collaborating Center for Reference and Research on Salmonella: 44 were assigned to Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica, 11 to subspecies salamae, 5 to subspecies arizonae, 8 to subspecies diarizonae, one to subspecies houtenae and one to Salmonella bongori. One new serovar, Mygdal, displayed a new H factor, H:z(91).

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli infection in Germany: different risk factors for different age groups.

The authors conducted a matched case-control study in Germany to identify risk factors for sporadic illness associated with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infection, regardless of serogroup. From April 2001 through March 2003, cases were prospectively enrolled through a laboratory-based sentinel surveillance system located in 14 of the 16 German federal states. One control was identified per case, matched by age and region.

Analysis of the transmission of Salmonella spp. through generations of pet snakes.

Besides the 'classical' animals known as reservoirs for Salmonella spp., like poultry and cattle, reptiles have emerged as a significant source of human salmonellae infections during the last years. Reptile-associated salmonellae frequently cause severe clinical courses including fatalities due to septicaemia and meningitis.

Salmonella agona outbreak from contaminated aniseed, Germany.

A nationwide outbreak of Salmonella Agona caused by aniseed-containing herbal tea occurred from October 2002 through July 2003 among infants in Germany. Consumers should adhere strictly to brewing instructions, although in exceptional cases this precaution may not be protective, particularly when preparing tea for vulnerable age groups.

International outbreak of Salmonella Oranienburg due to German chocolate.

Background: This report describes a large international chocolate-associated Salmonella outbreak originating from Germany.

Methods: We conducted epidemiologic investigations including a case-control study, and food safety investigations. Salmonella (S.

Sequence-based typing of flaB is a more stable screening tool than typing of flaA for monitoring of Campylobacter populations.

Different typing schemes for Campylobacter spp. were evaluated with 70 outbreak and sporadic isolates. The discriminatory indexes were 0.

Pet snakes as a reservoir for Salmonella enterica subsp. diarizonae (Serogroup IIIb): a prospective study.

Reptile-associated Salmonella infections are an increasing problem for humans. We have prospectively screened two breeding groups of 16 pet snakes for colonization with Salmonella species. Various serovars of S.