Salmonella Infection in Pigs: Disease, Prevalence, and a Link between Swine and Human Health

Abstract

Salmonella is one of the most spread foodborne pathogens worldwide, and Salmonella infections in humans still represent a global health burden. The main source of Salmonella infections in humans is represented by contaminated animal-derived foodstuffs, with pork products being one of the most important players. Salmonella infection in swine is critical not only because it is one of the main causes of economic losses in the pork industry, but also because pigs can be infected by several Salmonella serovars, potentially contaminating the pig meat production chain and thus posing a significant threat to public health globally. As of now, in Europe and in the United States, swine-related Salmonella serovars, e.g., Salmonella Typhimurium and its monophasic variant Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica 1,4,[5],12:i:-, are also frequently associated with human salmonellosis cases. Moreover, multiple outbreaks have been reported in the last few decades which were triggered by the consumption of Salmonella-contaminated pig meat. Throughout the years, changes and evolution across the pork industry may have acted as triggers for new issues and obstacles hindering Salmonella control along the food chain. Gathered evidence reinforces the importance of coordinating control measures and harmonizing monitoring programs for the efficient control of Salmonella in swine. This is necessary in order to manage outbreaks of clinical disease in pigs and also to protect pork consumers by controlling Salmonella subclinical carriage and shedding. This review provides an update on Salmonella infection in pigs, with insights on Salmonella ecology, focusing mainly on Salmonella Choleraesuis, S. Typhimurium, and S. 1,4,[5],12:i:-, and their correlation to human salmonellosis cases. An update on surveillance methods for epidemiological purposes of Salmonella infection in pigs and humans, in a “One Health” approach, will also be reported.

Construction and Evaluation of an Efficient Live Attenuated Salmonella Choleraesuis Vaccine and Its Ability as a Vaccine Carrier to Deliver Heterologous Antigens

“…Salmonellosis caused by S. Choleraesuis in pigs leads to substantial economic losses in a large-scale pig farm. Clinical symptoms of this disease often show fever, depression, septicemia, arthritis, diarrhea, and even death in some cases [1]. As these bacteria often spread quickly in industrialized pig farms by contaminated food and water, the vaccine is an efficient approach to prevent epidemics and control salmonellosis.…”

“…Conversely, non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS), such as Salmonella enterica serovar Choleraesuis ( S . Choleraesuis), is one of the primary pathogens causing paratyphoid fever in piglets, often leading to many deaths and huge economic losses for the pig industry due to simultaneous or secondary infection with other pathogens [ 1 ]. It is also essential for public health that humans commonly contact S .…”

“…Vaccines 2024, 12, 249 2 of 19 economic losses for the pig industry due to simultaneous or secondary infection with other pathogens [1]. It is also essential for public health that humans commonly contact S. Choleraesuis by eating contaminated poultry, eggs, pork, and beef [2].…”

Characterization of the Effects of a Novel Probiotic on Salmonella Colonization of a Piglet-Derived Intestinal Microbiota Using Improved Bioreactor

“…It can eventually lead to death if patients develop bacteremia [ 4 ]. Food-producing animals, particularly poultry, pigs, and cattle, are the main reservoirs of the different Salmonella serotypes associated with human salmonellosis [ 5 ]. Human contamination from pig products is estimated to be between 15 and 23% of all human salmonellosis cases in Europe [ 6 ].…”

Construction and Mechanism Exploration of Highly Efficient System for Bacterial Ghosts Preparation Based on Engineered Phage ID52 Lysis Protein E

“…enterica serovar choleraesuis (SC), a significant Salmonella strain, is a food-borne pathogen triggering systemic diseases accompanied by sepsis. It not only impairs the pig's digestive system but also diminishes production performance or even causes death [29]. Diseases transmitted vertically by Salmonella continue to pose a substantial threat to both humans and animals [30], constituting a global public health concern.…”