Background: Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Muenster (antigenic formula 3,{10}{15}{15,34}:e,h:1,5) is a serovar of the O:3,10 (E1) serogroup. This serovar is susceptible to lysogeny by phage ε15, which can result in the replacement of factor O:10 with factor O:15; lysogenized serovars with factor O:15 are then further susceptible to lysogeny by phage ε34 (O:15 → O:15,24).
NCBI PD link for serovar Muenster: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pathogens/isolates/#(taxgroup_name:%22Salmonella%20enterica%22)%20AND%20computed_types:(%22serotype=Muenster%22)
Genetic characteristics:
Animal reservoir: Dairy cattle is the reservoir for serovar Muenster. This serovar was also isolated from other animals such as pet bearded dragons, and birds (Tympanuchus cupido, Antigone canadensis).
Geographical distribution: According to the metadata from NCBI PD, serovar Muenster has been reported globally but primarily in US. Among a total of 2,659 serovar Muenster isolates available in NCBI PD (accessed 04/29/2025), there were 2,040 isolates collected in US.
Human outbreaks:
| Year | Location | Associated source | Number of cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | US: multistate | Pet bearded dragons | 18 |
| 2008 | France | Goat's cheese | 25 |
| 2016 | US: multistate | Live poultry | 25 |
| 1980 | Saudi Arabia | Roast beef | 12 |
Border rejections:
Year | Exporting country | Importing country | Associated source | Product category |
| 2024 | Nigeria | Italy | Sesame seeds | Nuts, nut products and seeds |
| 2020 | Brazil | Germany | Black pepper | Herbs and spices |
| 2020 | Poland | Bulgaria | Frozen chicken leg quarters1 | Poultry meat and poultry meat products |
1 Salmonella Infantis and Muenster were found.
Recalls:
Year | Location | Associated source | Type |
| 2024 | Germany, Ireland | Tahini from Lebanon | Nuts, nut products and seeds |
Relevant links: