Non-typhoidal salmonella: invasive, lethal, and on the loose

The results show a high but decreasing number of cases since 2005 with a continuously high case fatality rate, consistent with previous estimates. The paucity of data, particularly from the Indian subcontinent, which shares many of the risk factors for invasive non-typhoidal salmonella disease with Africa (eg, urbanisation with large populations living in crowded and insanitary conditions with poor access to potable water), is one of several clear indications of the need for more epidemiological research on invasive non-typhoidal salmonella disease. Recent work has further shown the potential role of the microbiota in invasive salmonellosis.5,6 Living in close proximity to a farm and other domestic animals, using animal faeces as manure in subsistence farming, watering of crops with water from drains and other contaminated water sources, along with unhygienic slaughtering of animals and meat processing are common practices in many developing countries.