Foodborne Salmonellosis: Global Trends, Antibiotic Resistance, and Public Health Implications with a Focus on Baluchistan, Pakistan

Abstract

Salmonellosis, a significant zoonotic and foodborne disease, continues to pose severe public health challenges globally. Caused primarily by Salmonella enterica, this infection results in gastrointestinal illnesses and typhoid fever, with growing concern due to emerging antibiotic-resistant strains. Despite global progress in hygiene, food safety, and vaccination strategies, countries like Pakistan remain highly affected, particularly in underdeveloped regions such as Baluchistan. Factors including poor sanitation, limited surveillance, inadequate diagnostic facilities, and irrational antibiotic use in both humans and animals contribute to the persistence and spread of resistant Salmonella strains. The high prevalence of Salmonella infections in Pakistan, including extensively drug-resistant (XDR) strains, demands urgent public health attention. This review consolidates global trends, mechanisms of resistance, zoonotic transmission routes, and public health implications, while highlighting critical gaps in data and infrastructure in Baluchistan. Strengthening one-health surveillance, public education, food vendor training, and vaccine coverage are essential strategies for combating salmonellosis in endemic regions.