PHYLOGENETICS OF SALMONELLA-ENTERITIDIS

The phylogenetics of Salmonella enteritidis is reviewed. Data from RFLP typing with cloned chromosomal DNA, rRNA genes and insertion sequence probes are described. Human isolates of this serovar exhibit a high degree of genotypic homogeneity. Multilocus enzyme electrophoresis defines S. enteritidis as a polyphyletic serovar closely related to S. dublin, S. gallinarum and S. pullorum. Two main classes of virulence plasmids are found in S. enteritidis. We report a comparative study of genotype for three principal clones of S. enteritidis, six other serovars carrying the g flagellar antigen, and S. pullorum. It is suggested that S. enteritidis occupies an ancestral and pivotal position among these Salmonellae.