News Archives |
Volume 2 No 11; 14 March 2008
National increase in new salmonella strain
An increasing number of Salmonella Typhimurium isolates showing the same undesignated phage type (PT) pattern have been received by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) Laboratory of Enteric Pathogens (LEP) since 22 February 2008. The pattern remains distinct from any currently recognised patterns in the S. Typhimurium phage typing scheme and has been designated PT U320.
To date, LEP has confirmed 51 human cases of S. Typhimurium PT U320 infection in residents of England and Wales. All isolates have been characterised as fully sensitive to antibiotics tested. Cases ranged in age from 10 months to 92 years (median 44 years) with 68% of cases female. Preliminary investigations of cases indicate onset of symptoms between 17 and 25 February (30/31 cases). One case reported travel to Egypt but outside the time frame of the current suspected outbreak.
Cases followed up to date have a national distribution, occurring in all regions (see table).
Table 1. Regional distribution of cases
Region |
Cases |
East Midlands |
3 |
East |
11 |
London |
8 |
North East |
5 |
North West |
1 |
South East |
11 |
South West |
6 |
West Midlands |
1 |
Wales |
1 |
Yorkshire and Humberside |
4 |
The HPA Centre for Infections is currently following up cases in England and Wales to determine the source of these infections.