The Role of Reactive Oxygen Species in the Bactericidal Activity of Chlorine Against Salmonella: A Review

Authors: ALJUWAYD, MOHANNED - University Of Arkansas; ADBULLAH MALLI, ISRAA - King Saud University; RICKE, STEVEN - University Of Wisconsin; OLSON, ELENA - University Of Wisconsin; Rothrock Jr, Michael; KWON, YOUNG - University Of Georgia

Submitted to: One Health
Publication Type: Review Article
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/5/2025
Publication Date: 2/6/2025
Citation: Aljuwayd, M., Adbullah Malli, I., Ricke, S.C., Olson, E.G., Rothrock Jr, M.J., Kwon, Y.M. 2025. The Role of Reactive Oxygen Species in the Bactericidal Activity of Chlorine Against Salmonella: A Review. One Health. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.onehlt.2025.100989.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.onehlt.2025.100989

Interpretive Summary: Salmonella spp are among the most common food-borne pathogens in humans that is associated with mild to severe range of diseases commonly referred to as salmonellosis. The genus belongs to the Enterobacteriaceae family and resides in the intestinal tract of various animals including humans. It is one of the most diverse genera of bacteria that includes over 2500 serovars. Consumption of poultry products is a major source of transmission of disease causing serovars to humans. Because of this food safety concern, the poultry industry and governments spend billions of dollars for Salmonella containment methods. However, a completely effective strategy is yet to be established. Chlorine is commonly used as a disinfectant in the poultry industry. In humans, antibiotic therapy is a primary way through which Salmonella infection is managed. However, widespread use of both compounds including at sub-inhibitory concentrations have paved way for resistant strains to emerge and spread globally at an extremely fast pace. Both antimicrobial compounds involve generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as a bactericidal mechanism of action. However, ROS generation and its association with inhibition of bacterial survival and growth have not been widely explored. Thus, a better understanding of ROS generation during antimicrobial treatments can help devise better Salmonella containment strategies.

Technical Abstract: Salmonella spp are among the most common food-borne pathogens in humans that is associated with mild to severe range of diseases commonly referred to as salmonellosis. The genus belongs to the Enterobacteriaceae family and resides in the intestinal tract of various animals including humans. It is one of the most diverse genera of bacteria that includes over 2500 serovars. Consumption of poultry products is a major source of transmission of disease causing serovars to humans. Because of this food safety concern, the poultry industry and governments spend billions of dollars for Salmonella containment methods. However, a completely effective strategy is yet to be established. Chlorine is commonly used as a disinfectant in the poultry industry. In humans, antibiotic therapy is a primary way through which Salmonella infection is managed. However, widespread use of both compounds including at sub-inhibitory concentrations have paved way for resistant strains to emerge and spread globally at an extremely fast pace. Both antimicrobial compounds involve generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as a bactericidal mechanism of action. However, ROS generation and its association with inhibition of bacterial survival and growth have not been widely explored. Thus, a better understanding of ROS generation during antimicrobial treatments can help devise better Salmonella containment strategies.