Salmonella Brandenburg: changing patterns of disease in Southland Province, New Zealand.
BACKGROUND
Salmonella Brandenburg has previously been an infrequent human pathogen in New Zealand, however a marked increase in human isolates has been noted since 1996.


OBJECTIVE
To research the incidence and pattern of Salmonella Brandenburg infection in New Zealand and specifically the characteristics of human isolates seen at Southland Hospital, Invercargill, Southland Province, New Zealand.


METHODS
A literature review was performed, and statistical data from the Enteric Reference Laboratory, Institute of Environmental Science and Research Limited (ESR) was reviewed. A retrospective case series was performed, collecting demographic and clinical information for all patients with salmonellosis seen at Southland Hospital between September 1997 and May 2002.


RESULTS
Salmonella Brandenburg is shown to have become the predominant human isolate seen at Southland Hospital from 1997 to 2001. Of a total of 62 cases of salmonellosis, 30 were culture-positive for S. Brandenburg (48%). Of these cases, 13 (43%) were from extra-intestinal sites. Eleven of these 13 (85%) cases did not have any risk factors for invasive disease. During the study period, the incidence of S. Brandenburg infection increased, as did the incidence of invasive disease.


CONCLUSIONS
The incidence and invasive potential of S. Brandenburg seems to be increasing, particularly in Southland, with peak infection rates corresponding to the lambing and calving season (September to November). S. Brandenburg seen in immunocompetent hosts may be a more invasive organism, and present with a wider spectrum of disease than has been previously considered.
Clarke
Rachel
R
Southland Hospital, Invercargill, Southland, New Zealand. Rachel.Clarke@xtra.co.nz
Tomlinson
Paul
P
D000293:Adolescent; D000818:Animals; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009520:New Zealand / Q000453:epidemiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012475:Salmonella / Q000145:classification* / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000472:pathogenicity; D012480:Salmonella Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D012481:Salmonella Infections, Animal; D012621:Seasons; D012703:Serotyping