Overview

Salmonella species are bacteria which are widely distributed all over the world. They are usually classified as pathogens, although their virulence and pathogenesis vary widely. The natural hosts of Salmonella include humans, agricultural and domestic livestock, and wild animals including birds. Humans and animals can excrete these bacteria while carrying them asymptomatically as well as during disease. It is therefore impossible to eliminate them from the environment. Following the infection of humans, the transmission of Salmonella can cause severe disease. As water is a recognized vehicle of infection, the presence or absence of Salmonella should be monitored in water. Salmonella can be present in all types of domestic and agricultural waste water, freshwaters, including ground and drinking waters, as well as sea water. This International Standard specifies a method for the detection of Salmonella (presumptive or confirmed) in water samples. It is possible that, for epidemiological purposes or during outbreak investigations, other media are also required. The International Standard forming the basis of this standard has been prepared in ISO/TC 147/SC 4 "Microbiological methods" and has been adopted by CEN/TC 230 "Water analysis", the secretariat of which is held by DIN. The responsible German committee is NA 119-01-03-03 UA "Mikrobiologie" ("Microbiology") of NA 119-01-03 AA "Wasseruntersuchung" ("Water examination") of NAW.

Document: references other documents

Responsible national committee

NA 119-01-03-03 UA - Microbiology  

Responsible european committee

CEN/TC 230 - Water analysis