Human Salmonella Isolates, 2013 No. 10, October

The number of isolates this month (n=110) showed a slight increase in comparison to the number of isolates received in October 2012 (n=92). Salmonella Brandenburg (8.7% in September 2012 and 11.8% in October 2013) was the predominant serotype. Uncommon serotypes confirmed this month included Salmonella Meleagridis (2 human isolates since 2002) and S. Richmond (1 human isolate since 2002). Salmonella Enteritidis phage type 1e and 5a, and S. Abaetetuba were confirmed for the first time in New Zealand.

The S. Typhimurium phage type 56 variant was known as S. Typhimurium phage type RDNC-May06 prior to July 2013. Further characterisation work undertaken by the Salmonella Reference Unit at Colindale (Public Health England) identified this phage type as 56 variant.

An increased was confirmed in the number of Salmonella  Enteritidis phage type 1 ( 7 in comparison to none this time last year) and S. Typhimurium phage type 56 variant (12 in comparison 6 this time last year) this month.