Novel virulence properties of non-typhoidal Salmonella associated with epidemics of bloodstream infection. (360G-Wellcome-106914_Z_15_Z)

iNTS (invasive non-typhoidal salmonellosis) has recently been found responsible for epidemics of bloodstream infection in Africa. The clinical syndrome presents with septicaemia and is associated with high morbidity and mortality, killing 680,000 people annually. Comprehensive genomic analysis has identified a novel African clade of S.Typhimurium, ST313 and two novel clades of S. Enteritidis associated with iNTS disease (Figure1). Although the clinical picture is well-established, little is know n about the infection biology of iNTS pathogens because of the lack of basic research on this neglected infection. The extensive clinical data, genome-based phylogenies and our preliminary data lead me to address the following question: What are the virulence determinants that allow the novel-clades of S.Typhimurium and S.Enteritidis to mediate invasive disease?