NRL for Salmonella

The main task of the NRL for Salmonella is the identification and analysis of Salmonella isolates originating from feed, food and primary production, using serological and molecular biological methods. For conducting investigations of outbreaks and epidemiological studies, a variety molecular biological methods have been established. Within the World Organization for Animal Health, the NRL Salmonella is designated an OIE-reference laboratory.

• Serotyping of Salmonella according to the White-Kauffmann-Le Minor scheme
• Epidemiological surveys on the prevalenceClose dialogprevalencePrevalenceTo glossary of Salmonella serotypes
• Taking part in the implementation of national (General Administrative Provision, AVV) and European monitoring programs
• Taking part in the national control programs for Salmonella (Directive 2003/99/EC and Regulation (EC) No 2160/2003) in breeding flocks of Gallus gallus (Commission Regulation  (EU) No 200/2010), in laying hens of Gallus gallus (Commission regulation (EU) No 517/2011), in flocks of broilers (Commission regulation (EU) No 200/2012) and in flocks of turkeys (Commission regulation (EU) No 1190/2012)
• Conducting inter-laboratory studies and participation in ring trials/proficiency tests within the national control program for Salmonella
• Participation in investigations of chains of infection and foodborne outbreaks, e.g. by applying high-resolution techniques (e.g. whole genome sequencing)
• Identification of vaccine strains
• Rapid detection of Salmonella using PCR methods
• Molecular biological high resolution typing of Salmonella
• Participation in national and international research projects
• Providing advice and support to various institutions
• Management and maintenance of strain collections
• Participation in national and international committees
• Advising on and preparing scientific opinion statements
• Collaboration with the European Union Reference Laboratory for Salmonella
• Development and validation of methods

Salmonellosis is a human disease caused by bacteria of the genus Salmonella. In Germany, about 14000 cases a year are recorded. It is thereby the second most commonly reported bacterial diarrheal disease in Germany. At the NRL for Salmonella, aspects of Salmonella transmission via foodstuffs, livestock and animal feed to humans are investigated.

The development of antibiotic resistances, mechanisms of resistances and their prevalence within Salmonella is likewise under investigation. Of particular focus are antibiotics which are used for treating multi-resistant bacteria (e.g. 3^rd and 4^th generations of Cephalosporins, Carpapenems, Colistin).

Further, new methods for the detection, isolation and typing of Salmonella are being developed. In this area, the application of next generation sequencing techniques plays a vital and increasing role.

The current research topics comprise:

• Surveys on the prevalence of Salmonella in animals, foodstuff and other sources
• Pheno- and genotypical evaluation of resistance using MIC, PCR and whole genome sequencing
• Development of methods for the detection, quantification and characterization of Salmonella species using Next-generation sequencing
• Studies to assess the applicability of whole genome sequencing for Salmonella routine diagnostics and within outbreak analyses
• Assessing the safety and efficiency of Salmonella reduction using UVC-LED-radiation for the treatment of table eggs
• Development of methods for the differentiation of Salmonella vaccine and field strains
• Studies on the detection and differentiation of Salmonella and identification of associated resistance determinants in complex matrices via novel metagenomics approaches