Human Salmonella Isolates, 2014 No. 1, January

The number of isolates (n=143) showed a decrease in comparison with January 2013 (n = 178). Salmonella Typhimurium phage type 56 variant (9.6% in January 2013, 6.3% in January 2014) was the predominant serotype. Uncommon Salmonella serotypes confirmed this month included: S. Brancaster (2 humans isolates since 1988), S. Istanbul (4 human isolates since 1988, 3 with recent overseas travel), and S. Othmarschen (2 human isolates since 1988). Salmonella Bootle was isolated for the first time in New Zealand.

An increase was observed this month when compared to the same time last year:
a) In the following serotypes:
S. Enteritidis: an increase of 6%
S. Infantis: an increase of 2.8%
S. Typhimurium phage type 101 and 135: an increase of 3.9% and 2.6%, respectively

b) In the following Health Districts:
CB (from 0.6% to 4.9%)
BE (from 8.9% to 18.9%)