SURVIVAL OF SALMONELLA-ENTERITIDIS PT4 AND SALMONELLA-TYPHIMURIUM SWINDON IN AEROSOLS

Small particle aerosols of plate-grown Salmonella enteritidis and Salm . typhimurium were generated and maintained within a rotating drum at 75% relative humidity and 24 degrees C for 2 h. Plate-grown organisms were found to be more aerosol-stable than broth-grown organisms. Diffe rences were observed between the two species; plate-grown Salm. typhim urium retained 100% viability after 2 h compared to approximately 70% for plate-grown Salm. enteritidis. A large proportion of cells of both serotypes remained viable in aerosols after 2 h, confirming the poten tial for airborne transmission for these organisms, e.g. within henhou ses and during food processing.