[Increase in infections caused by Salmonella enteritidis--causes and possibilities for intervention].

Recently published data document a worldwide increase of infections of humans and of food contamination by Salmonella enteritidis (SE). The results of our own analyses of animal foods reflect this general trend and indicate a clonal spreading of SE phage type (PT) 4 in animal foods in Northern Bavaria. In humans SE PT 4 shows high invasivity and virulence. In poultry an adaption of certain SE phage types is supposed to have taken place. Those types cause infections of poultry flocks without visible symptoms. Hens do lay eggs during infection, but 1.5-2.0% of them are SE contaminated. Incorrect handling and incorrect processing and use of SE infected hens' eggs and/or of foods prepared with those eggs have caused a great number of infections in humans. The present state of scientific research leads us to assume that the increase in human SE infections is linked to the increase of the SE infections of poultry and hens' eggs. In order to stem further spreading of SE and to improve the protection of the consumer certain measures have to be taken in original/primary production, production and processing of poultry meat and eggs and in handling of eggs in commercial and private kitchens. These measures, which, from a veterinary point of view, should be surveyed and also be taken by the relevant authorities, are described in 5 lists.