Background: Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Kiambu (antigenic formula 1,4,12:z:1,5) is a serovar of the O:4 (B) serogroup. Serovar Kiambu was found to be one of the most common Salmonella serovars in chicken in Ontario, Canada.
NCBI PD link for serovar Kiambu: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pathogens/isolates/#(taxgroup_name:%22Salmonella%20enterica%22)%20AND%20computed_types:(%22serotype=Kiambu%22)
Genetic characteristics:
Animal reservoir: The reservoir for serovar Kiambu remains unknown, but chickens may be a potential host. This serovar has also been isolated from other animals, including cattle and pigs.
Geographical distribution: This serovar has been reported worldwide but is primarily found in North America, particularly in the US. Out of 1,024 serovar Kiambu isolates available in the NCBI Pathogen Database (accessed April 10, 2025), 835 were from the US.
Human outbreaks:
Year | Location | Associated Source | Number of Cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | US: multistate | Dry dog food | 7 |
| 2017 | US: multistate | Maradol papayas imported from Mexico | 2201 |
| 2007 | Australia | Unknown2 | 2 |
Year | Exporting country | Importing country | Associated source | Product category |
| 2021 | Brazil | Germany | Black pepper1 | Herbs and spices |
| 2021 | Brazil | Germany | Black pepper2 | Herbs and spices |
| 2020 | Brazil | Germany | Black pepper | Herbs and spices |
1 Salmonella Rubislaw, Freetown, Kiambu, Newport, Poona and Sandiego O:5- were found.
2 Salmonella Kiambu, Ealing, and Newport were found.
Recalls:
Year | Location | Associated source | Type |
| 2023 | US: multistate | Dry dog food1 | Pet food |
1 This recall was resulted by a multistate outbreak described above. Multiple brands including Victor, Eagle Mountain, Wayne Feeds, and some Member's Mark varieties issued a recall.
Relevant links:
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35617326/#:~:text=When%20present%2C%20concentrations%20of%20Salmonella,%2C%20and%20Michigan%20(12.1%25).
- https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/outbreaks/dog-food-10-23/investigation.html?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/kiambu-11-23/details.html
- https://archive.cdc.gov/#/details?url=https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/kiambu-07-17/index.html
- https://www1.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/cda-cdi3201o.htm
- https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/rasff-window/screen/notification/522349
- https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/rasff-window/screen/notification/471644
- https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/rasff-window/screen/notification/451084
- https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/outbreaks-and-advisories/fda-and-cdc-investigate-cases-salmonella-linked-pet-food-made-mid-america-pet-food-multiple-brands