Salmonella enterica serotypes causing infection in Kuwait during 2018–2021, determined by multi-locus sequence typing or whole genome sequencing

Abstract

Human salmonellosis due to nontyphoid Salmonellae is a major foodborne disease throughout the world. We determined the serotypes of isolates causing salmonellosis in Kuwait during the study period. We inferred the serotypes of isolates based on their sequence types as determined by multi-locus sequence typing, which is more amenable to laboratories than the traditional serotyping. By whole genome sequencing, we determined that the strain causing a foodborne outbreak was unique, and a new sequence type not in the serotyping scheme represented a rare serotype. We learnt the resistance pattern of isolates and lack of resistance to carbapenems that will be useful for treating multi-drug-resistant infection. Our data will contribute to planning strategies for treatment and control of salmonellosis and the epidemiology of salmonellosis in the Middle East.