Nontyphoid Salmonella in farm animals and food products in the Middle East and North Africa: a systematic review

Aim: This study aimed to document the prevalence, serotype distribution and antibiotic resistance of nontyphoidal Salmonella in animal food products from Middle East/North Africa (MENA) countries. Methods: Peer-reviewed articles published from 1 January 2011 to 7 March 2023 were included and the data were narratively synthesized and statistically analyzed to estimate and compare the overall prevalence. Results: The authors found a high prevalence of Salmonella in MENA countries (12.80%), with the highest prevalence in Lebanon (41.10%). Poultry had a higher prevalence of Salmonella (14.49%) than livestock (9.62%). Salmonella enteritidis was the most commonly identified serotype (21.99%), and sulfamethoxazole had the highest resistance rate (78.81%). Conclusion: The authors emphasize the importance of implementing control measures in MENA countries to limit the spread of the Salmonella pathogen.

Automated summary

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence, serotype distribution, and antibiotic resistance of nontyphoidal Salmonella in animal food products from Middle East/North Africa (MENA) countries. The results showed a high prevalence of Salmonella in MENA countries (12.80%), with Lebanon having the highest prevalence (41.10%). Poultry had a higher prevalence of Salmonella (14.49%) compared to livestock (9.62%). Salmonella enteritidis was the most commonly identified serotype (21.99%), and sulfamethoxazole had the highest resistance rate (78.81%). The authors emphasize the importance of implementing control measures in MENA countries to limit the spread of Salmonella.