Asymptomatic Carriage and Antimicrobial Resistance of Salmonella in Humans and Poultry in Rural Burkina Faso: Phenotypic and Genotypic Profiles and Associated Risk Factors
, Daniel Valia 2, Sandeep Tamber 3, Christian Marc Tahita 2, Palpouguini Lompo 2, Sibidou Yougbare 2, Mary Rao 3, Annika Flint 3, Kelly Weedmark 3, Zakaria Garba 2, William Alix L. Tiendrebeogo 2, Albert Patrick Vokouma 2, Eric Wendpouiré Tiendrebeogo 2, Georges Somé 2, Marjan Peeters 4, Jan Jacobs 4,5, Marianne A. B. van der Sande 6, Henri Gautier Ouédraogo 2, Halidou Tinto 2 and Nicolas Barro 1,*
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe authors present a valuable and timely study on asymptomatic Salmonella carriage and antimicrobial resistance in a rural setting of Burkina Faso, contributing important One Health insights from an under-represented region. The combination of phenotypic and genomic analyses strengthens the manuscript’s relevance to both public health and microbial epidemiology. This is a valuable study with large dataset from an under-surveilled region. With suggested revisions in attached PDF, it will be a strong contribution to the field of One Health and antimicrobial resistance surveillance.
Comments for author File: 
Comments.pdf
The manuscript contains some grammatical errors and awkward phrasing (e.g., “This study enabled us to discover carriage prevalences…”).
Some sections are passive and could be more direct.
Author Response
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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 2 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe manuscript “Asymptomatic carriage and antibiotic resistance of Salmonella in humans and poultry in rural Burkina Faso: phenotypic profiles, genetic determinants, and associated risk factors” by Ibrahima Karama and coauthors conducted a molecular epidemiological study of asymptomatic carriers of Salmonella in humans and poultry in Burkina Faso. The study is important in terms of surveillance and monitoring of the circulation of this pathogen and its implications for One Health. Overall, the study is well-executed and methodologically sound. I only have a few observations that should contribute to the improvement of the manuscript.
• Lines 64-66: Since the study will be conducted in humans and poultry, it should be noted that in chickens the typhoid Salmonella serotypes are S. Gallinarum and S. Pullorum. Add a reference on these Salmonella strains in chickens.
• Line 124: I suggest adding the blank questionnaire as supplementary material.
• Lines 125-126: Report from this point the total number of poultry samples included in the study.
• Section 2.2: Considering that screening in asymptomatic individuals is one of the core objectives of the study, this must be explicitly detailed in this section (define criteria, parameters, examiner, ...).
• Line 177: The authors indicate the use of MLST typing. The findings from this should be presented in the results section.
• Section 2.5: Since antimicrobial resistance is considered in the study, I suggest adding an analysis of resistance associated with point mutations in genes (i.e., PointFinder tool).
• Lines 327-328: The original references on prevalence in Asia should be used.
• Correct references 32 and 64 in the reference list.
Author Response
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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 3 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsSalmonella is a significant pathogen and the primary cause of gastrointestinal disease in humans and animals. There are over 2,600 distinct strains of Salmonella, which are highly contagious. Salmonella can spread throughout the entire food supply chain, with poultry and poultry products being the primary sources. Antibiotics are typically used to treat Salmonella infections, however, resistant strains have made it more difficult to find effective treatment options. In order to control Salmonella outbreaks, it is essential to understand its transmission and how it spreads. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of unidentified Salmonella carriers among human and chicken populations in Nanoro, Burkina Faso. Specifically, the study sought to identify the specific Salmonella species present, their antibiotic resistance profiles, and any genetic factors that may contribute to their virulence. The research methods used by the authors are chosen correctly and are described in sufficient detail. The majority of the cited references are recent and relevant. The conclusions are in line with the evidence and arguments provided. The authors are fully cognizant of the fact that their study has certain limitations.
Minor concerns.
- In Table 1, it is unclear which indicators the confidence values relate to.
2. The title of Table 1 is “Sociodemographic characteristics distribution by Salmonella enterica carriage in humans”. The dry and rainy seasons, are they social or demographic phenomena? What do the authors mean by the term "missing" in the graph?
Comments on the Quality of English LanguageThe text should be thoroughly reviewed and edited to avoid the use of phrases such as: "In a community-based crosssectional study was conducted in humans and poultry in the Nanoro health district" .
Author Response
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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Round 2
Reviewer 1 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe authors have made significant revisions but there are minor format mistakes and incomplete/irrelevant references. Please correct and update as suggested in the attached PDF.
Comments for author File: Comments.pdf
Author Response
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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
