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Pooled Salmonella prevalence in Ethiopia is 6.7% with significant regional and source variationsTracking Salmonella Bacteria and Drug Resistance Across Different Areas of Ethiopia

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Key Takeaway
Note that Salmonella prevalence varies significantly by region and source in Ethiopia, with a pooled prevalence of 6.7%.

This meta-analysis synthesizes data from 43 datasets across 39 articles to evaluate Salmonella prevalence and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles within Ethiopia. The study encompasses isolates from human, animal, and environmental sources. The analysis found a pooled prevalence of Salmonella at 6.7% (95% CI: 5.3-8.1%).

Regional and source-specific data revealed significant variation in prevalence. For example, the Tigray region showed a prevalence of 14.52%, while the Oromia region reported 8.14%. Environmental isolates showed a prevalence of 8.43% and animal isolates were recorded at 7.78%. Human isolates showed a lower prevalence of 4.79%.

Regarding antimicrobial resistance, the study identified specific resistance rates: ceftazidime (12.4%), cefotaxime (8.5%), ceftriaxone (3.2%), and ciprofloxacin (2.2%). The authors noted high heterogeneity in prevalence data (I = 88%) due to an uneven geographic distribution of the included studies.

The findings suggest a need for strengthened surveillance, prevention, and antimicrobial stewardship across human, animal, and environmental sectors in Ethiopia to address these prevalence rates and resistance profiles.

How this fits prior evidence

This meta-analysis addresses gaps in regional Salmonella surveillance in East Africa. It provides specific data on the prevalence of Salmonella (6.7%) and associated antimicrobial resistance in Ethiopia. These findings complement existing knowledge regarding high pneumonia prevalence and antibiotic resistance in neighboring Ghana, where resistance to key antibiotics exceeded 70%.

Researchers looked at many reports to see how often Salmonella bacteria appear in different parts of Ethiopia. They checked samples from humans, farm animals, and the surrounding environment. This helps experts understand how the germs spread through different areas.

The study found that about 6.7% of all samples tested contained Salmonella. However, some regions had much higher rates than others. For example, one specific region showed a much higher presence of these bacteria compared to the national average.

Another important part of the study looked at how well these germs fight off medicine. Some types of antibiotics were less effective because the bacteria learned to resist them. This makes it harder for doctors and farmers to treat infections when they happen.

Because the bacteria are found in both animals and the environment, it is easy for them to jump to humans. The findings suggest that better tracking and smarter use of medicine are needed to keep people and livestock safe from these germs.

What this means for you:
Salmonella is common in Ethiopia's environment and animals, showing varying levels of resistance to many medicines.

Common questions

How common is Salmonella in this region?

The study found an overall pooled prevalence of Salmonella at 6.7%. However, rates varied by location: 14.52% was found in the Tigray region and 8.14% was found in the Oromia region.

Is Salmonella present in animals and the environment?

Yes, the study included both animal and environmental samples. The prevalence was 7.78% in animal isolates and 8.43% in environmental isolates.

Are there concerns about antibiotic resistance?

The study identified resistance to several drugs: ceftazidime (12.4%), cefotaxime (8.5%), ceftriaxone (3.2%), and ciprofloxacin (2.2%). You should talk to a doctor regarding specific treatment concerns.

Study Details

Study typeMeta analysis
EvidenceLevel 1
PublishedJul 2026
View Original Abstract ↓
BACKGROUND: Salmonella is a major enteric pathogen known to cause gastroenteritis in humans and animals, with antimicrobial-resistant strains posing a global health threat. However, national-level estimates of the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles of Salmonella across human, animal, and environmental sources are scarce in Ethiopia. Thus, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the pooled prevalence and AMR profile of Salmonella isolated from humans, animals and the environment in Ethiopia. METHODS: A total of 39 articles containing 43 datasets published from 2010 to 2024 were retrieved from PubMed, Science Direct and Google Scholar. A random-effect model was employed to estimate the pooled prevalence of Salmonella and its AMR profile, while heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran's Q test and inconsistency index (I). Subgroup analysis and meta-regression were conducted to explore sources of heterogeneity, and publication bias was evaluated using a funnel plot, Begg's and Egger's tests. RESULTS: The overall pooled prevalence of Salmonella was 6.7% (95% CI: 5.3-8.1%) with high heterogeneity (I = 88%), significantly influenced by region, with the highest prevalence in Tigray (14.52%) and Oromia (8.14%). Environmental isolates showed a slightly higherprevalence (8.43%), followed by isolates from animals (7.78%) and humans (4.79%). High levels of AMR were detected among Salmonella isolates, particularly to ampicillin, oxytetracycline, amoxicillin_clavulanic acid, tetracycline, and streptomycin. Resistance was also detected to critical antibiotics such as ceftazidime (12.4%), cefotaxime (8.5%), ceftriaxone (3.2%), and ciprofloxacin (2.2%). CONCLUSIONS: These findings should be interpreted with caution due to uneven geographic distribution of the included studies across the country. Overall, the results underscore the need for strengthened Salmonella surveillance, prevention and antimicrobial stewardship in Ethiopia's human, animal, and environmental sectors.
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