Human Salmonella Isolates, 2014 No. 7, July

The number of isolates (n=86) showed an increase in comparison with July 2013 (n = 78). Salmonella Infantis (2.6% in July 2013, 7.% in July 2014) was the predominant serotype. Uncommon Salmonella serotypes confirmed this month included S. Papuana (9 human isolates confirmed since 2002, 4 of which with recent overseas travel reported). The current case had recently travelled to Fiji.

One isolate of S. Typhimurium phage type 120 was confirmed this month from a case who had recently travelled to Cambodia. This isolate was referred to the Antibiotic Reference Laboratory (ARL) at ESR as this phage type has been associated with multiple antimicrobial resistance overseas. ARL confirmed this isolate to eb resistant to multiple antibiotics tested.

Increase in Salmonella Typhimurium phage type 193

• Since 01 January 2014, 11 isolates of S. Typhimurium phage type 193 have been confirmed with 8 cases from the Auckland region. This compares with a total of 7 cases (1 case from the Auckland region) for the same period last year.
• This phage type has been associated overseas with multiple antimicrobial resistance. These isolates were tested by ARL at ESR and were shown not to be multiple drug resistant.