Serological survey of salmonellosis in grey duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia) in Asejire, Irewole Local Government Area, Osun State, Nigeria.

A serological survey of salmonellosis in grey duiker was carried out in Asejire, Irewole Local Government Area (LGA), Osun State, between August and September, 1996. The sera of 50 animals were screened for antibodies to salmonella flagella (H) and/or somatic (O) antigens. Ten "bushmeat" hawkers/processors were interviewed on their state of health. Twenty-two (44%) and 3 (6%) had antibodies to the H and O antigens, respectively. Nine (18%) had antibodies to both the H and O antigens. Antibody titres of 1/320 were detected against Salmonella paratyphi serotypes B (12%) and C (2%) and S. typhi serotype D (8%). Four (40%) of the interviewed hawkers/processors had had 'fever' in the recent past, and 80% of them usually take traditional herbal medicines for most fever-related ailments. A human typhoid epidemiological surveillance carried out within the LGA between 15th March and 4th April, 1995 revealed 64 cases of tentatively diagnosed salmonellosis. Eleven (17.2%) cases were conclusively diagnosed as typhoid fever by laboratory examination. High antibody titres against H and O antigens of S. paratyphi serotype B and S. typhi serotype were detected. Two (3.1%) of the patients died. The public health importance of these findings is discussed.