Abstract
Introduction: Salmonella enterica infections remain a major global public health challenge with significant economic implications arising from surveillance, prevention, and treatment costs. Thus, this cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence of Salmonella agglutinins and associated risk factors among 100 apparently healthy residents of Barama, Mubi-North Local Government Area, Adamawa State, Nigeria, between August and September 2023.
Methods: Blood samples were analyzed using the Widal agglutination method, and structured questionnaires captured sociodemographic and environmental data.
Results: Of the participants, 76% tested positive for Salmonella agglutinins, with a slightly higher occurrence among females (52.6%) than males (47.4%). Single participants demonstrated a higher prevalence (53.9%) compared with married individuals (46.1%), while the 28–32-year age group had the highest positivity rate (23.7%). No significant association was observed between positivity and gender (P=0.351) or age group (P=0.289). However, marital status (P=0.005) and lack of access to pipe-borne water (P=0.001) were significantly associated with Salmonella agglutinin occurrence. Finally, other risk factors showed no significant associations (P>0.05).
Conclusion: The high prevalence observed in this study indicates a potential burden of typhoid fever in this community, highlighting the influence of sociodemographic and environmental conditions. Overall, improved water infrastructure, enhanced hygiene practices, and targeted public health interventions are recommended to reduce transmission risks.