Epidemiological patterns of salmonellosis incidence among the population of Armenia in 2009–2024

Salmonella infection remains one of the most significant global public health challenges, characterized by high prevalence, antimicrobial resistance, substantial socio-economic burden, and wide variability of clinical manifestations, which underscores the need for continuous epidemiological surveillance, improvement of laboratory diagnostics, and the development of effective prevention strategies at the international level. The aim of the study was to analyze the data and determine the burden of salmonellosis among people in Armenia. Materials and methods. The study was conducted during the period spanning from 2009 to 2024 based on statistical reporting data received by the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Armenia. Descriptive epidemiology was used in the study. Statistical data analysis was performed using MS Excel and R software packages. Results: During the analyzed period, the incidence of salmonellosis among the population of Armenia increased from 15.2 per 100 000 habitants in 2009 to 22.5 in 2024. The percentage of salmonellosis among all cases of acute intestinal infections increased from 2.8–4.5% in the period from 2012 to 2018 to 6.0–7.1% in the period from 2019 to 2024 (p < 0.001). Analyzing the dynamics of morbidity by month shows that the peak of morbidity among people occurs in the summer months. Analysis of the dynamics of salmonellosis incidence over the past 13 years by age groups shows that the incidence among the child population has always been higher (4.8–8.5 times, p < 0.001). The incidence among children in the period from 2016 to 2024 increased by 1.6 times, and among adults — by 2.3 times. Analysis by individual pediatric age groups showed that the incidence of salmonellosis declines with increasing age. Conclusion. As a result of our study, salmonellosis burden in Armenia was found to be at high level. The high incidence among pediatric population with rise in indicator levels over the past 5 years are comparable to trends recorded in European countries. Based on the results obtained, the authors developed a number of recommendations for improving salmonellosis epidemiological surveillance system in Armenia.