The prevalence and plasmid profile of non-typhoidal salmonellosis in children less than five years in Lagos metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: non-typhoidal Salmonella is the causative agent of gastroenteritis, a food-borne and zoonotic infection which is a major cause of high morbidity and death among children under 5 years of age especially from resource poor settings like the developing countries. METHODS: this study was carried out for 6 months to determine the prevalence and plasmid profile of non-typhoidal salmonellosis in children in Lagos metropolis. A total of 105 stool samples were collected from diarrheal children aged 3 months to 12 years and processed during this period. The isolates were identified using Selenite F Broth, Salmonella-Shigella Agar, Kligler Iron Agar, and Motility-indole-Urea medium, citrate and sugar utilization tests. RESULTS: a total number of 127 isolates were identified, 2 of which are Salmonella enteritidis (1.6%). The non-typhoidal Salmonellae were sensitive to ciprofloxacin, cetotaxime, streptomycin, cotrimxazole and tetracycline. Only one of the 2 isolates (50%) was sensitive to amoxillin and sulphonamide while none of them (0%) was sensitive to cefuroxime.

Keywords

• prevalence
• plasmid
• salmonellosis
• children