ABSTRACT:
The objective of this study was to show the presence of Salmonella in the swine production chain, and its impact on public health. Bacteria of the Salmonella genus are an important cause of food transmitted diseases in Brazil. Around 10% of clinical salmonellosis cases are attributed to swine products. Humans can become infected through direct contact with the animals, both living and in slaughter houses; however, the most common cause of infection is the ingestion of contaminated food. Infection of swine herds can occur in any of the rearing stages, mainly through a fecal-oral cycle, where the bacteria will shelter in the lymph nodes and be excreted when the host is submitted to a stress factor, such as transport and/or regrouping. Equipment and utensils are also associated with cross contamination among animals, acting as vehicles in the propagation of the microorganism inside the industry or rearing facility. Furthermore, inadequate use of antimicrobial agents will contribute to the rise of resistant bacteria. This study shows that, in order to safeguard consumer health, awareness must begin in the rearing facilities, with special care to hygiene, biosafety, and the proper use of antibiotics. Further care must be considered during transportation, and especially rigorous measures should be set during slaughter.
KEYWORDS:
Salmonella spp.; Gram-negative; cross-contamination; pig farming; disease transmitted by food