Salmonella enterica serotype typhimurium DT 104 (S.t. DT104)
prepared by Agron Plevneshi

Food-borne salmonella infections have become a major problem in the industrialized world. The strain of Salmonella enterica serotype typhimurium known as definitive phage type 104 (DT104) is usually resistant to five common antibiotics (penta-resistant): ampicillin, chloramphenicol, streptomycin, sulfonamides, and tetracycline. Although the most well-known outbreaks of DT104 were reported from the UK, other European countries such as Germany, France, Austria and Denmark have subsequently reported outbreaks. This pathogen is being seen with increasing frequency and there is a growing concern regarding its emergence in the US and Canada. Many isolates of S. t. DT104 have reduced susceptibility to fluoroquinolones, which can result in treatment failures when quinolones are used for treatment Salmonella typhimurium DT104 is primarily found in cattle but it has spread to a range of food animals, including pigs, sheep and poultry, and also to some pets such as cats and dogs. Contaminated meat products and unpasteurized milk are the main source of food-borne infection. DT104 infections are associated with a high morbidity and mortality especially in children and in the elderly. Prevention methods consist of good hygienic practices by farmers and animal handlers and reduced use of antibiotics for prophylaxis and growth in food animals.