[Trends in the Serotype Distribution of Salmonella enterica Isolated from Patients with Diarrhea in the Republic of Korea from 2022 to 2024].

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to analyze and provide information on the distribution of Salmonella serotypes identified through the Enteric Pathogens Active Surveillance Network (Enter-Net) and outbreak investigations in the Republic of Korea (ROK) from 2022 to 2024.

METHODS

The isolates from domestic residents and outbreaks were collected using the Enter-Net, and serotyping was performed.

RESULTS

In total, 2,817 Salmonella isolates were identified, including 2,786 domestic cases and 31 imported cases, encompassing 131 distinct serotypes. The predominant serotypes were Salmonella Enteritidis (837 isolates, 29.7%), S. Typhimurium (327, 11.6%), S. I 4,[5],12:i:- (S. Typhimurium variant) (295, 10.5%), S. Infantis (258, 9.2%), S. Thompson (208, 7.4%), and S. Bareilly (160, 5.7%). The primary serotypes associated with the outbreaks were found to be S. Enteritidis, S. Typhimurium, and S. Thompson, whereas the leading serotypes among imported cases were S. Enteritidis, S. Rissen, and S. Weltevreden. Monthly isolation rates increased from May, coinciding with higher temperatures, and remained elevated throughout November, regardless of the serotype.

CONCLUSIONS

Analysis of Salmonella isolates from domestic waterborne and foodborne infections between 2022 to 2024 showed an increased proportion of S. Enteritidis, decline of S. Typhimurium and S. I 4,[5],12:i:-.