A food borne outbreak of Salmonella enterica serotype Brandenburg as a hint to compare human, animal and food isolates identified in the years 2005-2009 in Italy.

INTRODUCTION There are only a few reported cases of Salmonella enterica serotype Brandenburg foodborne outbreaks in the literature. In Italy Brandenburg is consistently present among the top ten serotypes from human source, but at low prevalences. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fifty-five S. Brandenburg isolates from human, animal, environmental and food sources, including twelve isolates from a foodborne outbreak, were genotyped by Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Eight pulsogroups and 19 pulsotypes were detected, with a unique pulsotype being attributed to the outbreak strains. Molecular subtyping can reliably complement the epidemiological investigations. Moreover, mapping molecular types of Salmonella isolates from human and non-human source may greatly contribute to risk assessment, by tracking possible animal sources, so improving cost-effectiveness of the prevention and control strategies.