Background: Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Berta (antigenic formula 1,9,12:[f],g,[t]:–) is a serovar of the group O:9 (D1) serogroup. This serovar is considered rare and is scarcely associated with human cases. It typically causes gastrointestinal food poisoning; however, serious infections such as myocarditis and meningitis due to this organism have been reported as well. The symptoms of splenic abscesses are usually non-specific and include fever, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting.
NCBI PD link for serovar Berta: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pathogens/isolates/#(taxgroup_name:%22Salmonella%20enterica%22)%20AND%20computed_types:(%22serotype=Berta%22)
Animal reservoir: Serovar Berta was found in cattle, chickens, turkeys, wild boars, dogs, horses, and deer, albeit at a very low frequency.
Geographical distribution: Serovar Berta has only been described in the UK, the US and Canada.
Human outbreaks:
Year | Location | Associated source | Number of cases |
| 2023 | US: WA | Unknown source | 6 |
| 2002 | US: WA | Cantaloupe, grapes, or watermelon | 29 |
| 1994 | Canada | Soft cheese product | 82 |
Border rejections: There have been no recent border rejections linked to this serovar.
Recalls: There have been no recent recalls linked to this serovar.
Relevant links:
- https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dph/health-safety/disease-illness/foodborne-illness-outbreaks/2023-july-10-unknown-source#:~:text=Since%20April%2014%2C%202023%2C%20six,stool%2C%20fever%2C%20and%20chills.
- https://outbreakdatabase.com/outbreaks/2002-outbreak-of-salmonella-berta-linked-to-fruit-washington
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9528815/
- https://casereports.bmj.com/content/13/4/e235318.long