Abstract

Zoonotic transmission of Salmonella enterica from poultry to man, particularly from chicken meat and egg production, is a major public health issue. Salmonella Enteritidis and Salmonella Typhimurium infections in poultry are often asymptomatic and therefore difficult to identify without rigorous screening. A number of control strategies are currently in place for the control of Salmonella in poultry including vaccination and biosecurity measures. However, additional and supplementary strategies are sought and the application of probiotics is promising. Probiotics have been shown to inhibit a range of Salmonella enterica isolates in poultry. These organisms may offer an additional tool in the arsenal of current control strategies to prevent zoonotic Salmonella transmission to humans. Currently, there are five key mechanisms by which the inhibition of pathogens is thought to occur, including immunomodulation. The use of probiotics in poultry to modulate the host immune system has been shown to aid the clearance of Salmonella. This article will review current understanding of probiotic inhibitory mechanisms, the interactions between the host and Salmonella and the practical use of probiotics in vivo to reduce/inhibit Salmonella in poultry.

Keywords: Salmonella, probiotics, prebiotics, zoonotic, competitive exclusion, poultry, chickens, immunomodulation

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