Background: Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Heidelberg (antigenic formula 1,4,[5],12:r:1,2) is a serovar of the O:4 (B) serogroup. Serovar Heidelberg is typically found in poultry meat in the U.S., it has caused numerous infections in chicken in the U.S. and Canada. In the U.S. this serovar has caused a number of outbreaks, including a recent outbreak, linked to raw chicken, caused by an antibiotic resistant strain. S. Heidelberg accounts for the 8.6% of ceftriaxone-resistant Salmonella isolated from humans in the U.S. Recently a phage typing scheme was developed in Canada for serovar Heidelberg.
Animal reservoir: S. Heidelberg is mostly found in chickens and turkeys.
Geographical distribution: Mostly reported from North America, serovar Heidelberg is the second and seventh most common serovar isolated from humans in Canada and in the U.S., respectively. In Europe this serovar is rare (approx. 180 cases/year).
Outbreaks: A number of outbreaks, most of them in the U.S. have been linked to S. Heidelberg.
Year |
Location |
Associated source |
Number of cases |
2013 |
US-multistate |
Raw chicken |
278 |
2011 |
US-multistate |
Kosher Broiled Chicken Livers |
190 |
2011 |
US-multistate |
Ground turkey |
136 |
2011 |
Europe |
In-flight catering from Tanzania to Europe |
22 |
2005 |
US-WI |
Pig roast |
25 |
2004 |
Canada |
Food handler |
45 |
2001 |
Australia |
Eggs |
12 |
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