diarizonae

Diarizonae is a subspecies of Salmonella enterica, formally named Salmonella enterica subsp. diarizonae. In many references it is listed as Salmonella diarizonae. It belongs to the genus Salmonella, a group of Gram-negative bacteria commonly associated with foodborne illness, but diarizonae represents one of the less common subspecies within the species.

Ecology and hosts of diarizonae strains include a range of animals, particularly reptiles and other cold-blooded hosts, as well as environmental sources. Human infections are relatively uncommon but have been documented, often in contexts involving close contact with animals or consumption of contaminated food or water.

Clinical presentation in humans generally mirrors other forms of salmonellosis, with symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever. Immunocompromised individuals may experience more severe disease, and invasive infections, though possible, are rare compared with infections caused by more common Salmonella serovars.

Diagnosis relies on isolating the organism from clinical or environmental samples using selective culture media, followed by biochemical testing and serotyping to determine the subspecies. Molecular methods and whole-genome sequencing are increasingly used for precise identification and epidemiological studies.

Treatment is guided by antibiotic susceptibility testing. While many diarizonae strains are susceptible to standard therapies, some exhibit resistance to one or more antibiotics. Prevention emphasizes general Salmonella risk reduction, including proper food handling, cooking, and minimizing exposure to potentially infected animals.