Justina Omotola - Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi Benue
Innocent Ogbonna - Department of Microbiology, College of Science, Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria
Charles Iheukwumere - Department of Botany, College of Science, Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria

Introduction: Salmonella species Salmonella typhi and Salmonella paratyphi, types A, B, and C are the causative agents of enteric fever. This disease continues to pose a severe threat to public health, especially in developing countries. This study investigated the prevalence of typhoidal Salmonella infections and the associated risk factors in Kaduna Metropolis, Nigeria. Methods: A questionnaire was used to obtain information from ۲۵۰ patients attending four selected government hospitals and ۵۰ healthy individuals as control. Blood samples from participants were obtained to determine the blood groups and genotypes, and stool specimens were used to isolate typhoidal Salmonella species. Results: Thirty cases were among symptomatic patients and two among controls showing a total prevalence of ۱۰.۶%. Among the ۳۲ isolates, ۲۵ were S. typhi (۷۸.۱%), and seven were S. paratyphi A (۲۱.۹%), revealing an approximate ratio of ۴:۱. Factors significantly associated with the infection prevalence included age, source of drinking water, and frequency of infection. Blood groups and genotypes were not statistically associated with the infection; however, individuals with blood group O and genotype AA were more commonly infected. Also, females, the age group ۲۰-۲۹, singles, and unemployed, showed more infections. Conclusion: The prevalence, the ratio of typhoidal Salmonella species, and the associated risk factors call for public health and control measures, including the provision of suitable drinking water and improving living and sanitary conditions.

Typhoidal Salmonella, Enteric fever, Nigeria