Abstract

Background: In the last two decades, Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis has become one of the main agents causing food borne diseases worldwide. This agent is transmitted mainly by contaminated meat and poultry. Aim: To determine the genetic subtypes of Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis, circulating in Chile between 2001 and 2003, a post epidemc period. Material and methods: One hundred ninety three isolates coming from human samples, prepared foods and animal products for human consumption, were analyzed bypulsed field electrophoresis, using PulseNet standardized protocol. Results: Thirteen subtypes of Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis were identified, that had between 0 and 13 bands. A predominant subtype was identified in 172 strains (88%) that carne from human isolates, prepared foods and animal produc