Genome Analysis of Nontyphoidal Salmonella Isolates from Environmental Samples

This project examines the genomic characteristics of Nontyphoidal Salmonella (NTS) isolates from environmental samples collected in Mukuru informal settlement in Nairobi, Kenya. The study aims to explore the persistence and contamination pathways of NTS in an urban informal setting, where sanitation and access to clean water are major challenges. Environmental samples, including effluent, drinking water, and soil, were collected from households with NTS-positive children under five years of age and from control households to evaluate the risk of NTS exposure. Given the high burden of enteric infections and limited infrastructure in informal settlements, genomic analysis of these isolates will provide insights into the diversity, virulence, and potential transmission routes of NTS in this context, contributing to efforts to reduce public health risks in underserved urban populations. By integrating environmental and clinical data with genomic sequencing, this project seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of the environmental reservoirs that influence the persistence and transmission of NTS.