Isolamenti di Salmonella spp. da matrici ambientali nella regione Molise negli anni 2003-2005

Enter-Net is a European network used for the surveillance of human gastrointestinal infections. This network was created in 1994 and is coordinated by the HPA in Colindale. In Italy, this network is managed by the Superior Health Institute and its participants include various referral centres present in most of the regions in Italy. In Molise, the centre is located at the Arpa Provincial Department of Isernia.This centre receives strains of isolated Salmonella from six Regional hospital laboratories. In addition, the centre receives strains from other Arpa laboratories originating from surface and sewer water. All of the Centre’s activities are conducted according to the Italian law (D.L.vo n° 152/99).The isolates are tested for serotyping classification and antimicrobial susceptibility. During the three year period (2003-2005), 228 Salmonella strains were isolated throughout the principle water basins. 18.9% of the isolates were from the Biferno basins, in which the water is considered drinkable, while 51.7% were from various water bodies flowing into the Molise costal areas. Consequently, the potential impact on drinkable and recreational water is rather consistent. Particularly considering that 26 isolates (22.1%) belong to serotypes relevant for public health (S.typhimurium, S.enteritidis, S.hadar, S.infantis, S.virchow).The results confirmed the presence of these endemic serotypes in surface waters in Molise.The results have also showned the impact that these could have on public health.