Genome-based analysis of infrequent serotypes through the Thai pork production chain.

is a prevalent zoonotic foodborne pathogen. Swine and pork are implicated as important sources of salmonellosis in humans. In Chiang Mai and Lamphun Provinces in northern Thailand, there has been a high prevalence of persistence for over a decade. Infection is usually with dominant serotypes, including serotypes Rissen and 1,4,[5],12:i:-. However, other serotypes also contribute to disease but are less well characterized. The whole genome sequencing data of 43 serotypes isolated from pork production chain through 2011-2014, were used to evaluate genetic diversity and ascertain the possible source of contamination based on Core Genome Multilocus Sequence Typing (cgMLST) approach. The serotypes recovered from farms and slaughterhouses were re-circulating by swine environmental contamination. Conversely, the contamination in the retail market represents cross-contamination from multiple sources, including contaminated foodstuffs. contamination in the pork production chain has the competency for host cell adhesion, host cell invasion, and intracellular survival, which is enough for the pathogenicity of salmonellosis. In addition, all of these isolates were multi-drug resistant , which contained at least 10 antimicrobial resistance genes. This result indicated that these serotypes also pose a significant public health risk. Our findings support the need for appropriate surveillance of food-animal products going to market to reduce public exposure to highly pathogenic, multi-drug resistant . Acquiring information would motivate all stakeholders to reinforce sanitation standards throughout the pork production chain in order to eradicate contamination and reduce the risk of salmonellosis in humans.