Diversity and identification methods of non-typhoidal Salmonella serovars in West Africa: a scoping review

Background Non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) represents a predominant group of zoonotic pathogens responsible for a significant global burden of human infections. These infections have garnered increasing attention due to asymptomatic carriage in livestock and subsequent dissemination through the food chain. This review aims to investigate the diversity of NTS serovars isolated in West Africa and to evaluate the diagnostic methods used for their identification. Methods A systematic literature search was conducted using the PubMed and Scopus databases, covering the period from 2000 to 2025. Study selection and reporting followed the PRISMA guidelines. For the included articles, data on serovar distribution, sample origin, and both phenotypic and genotypic antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles were extracted and organized in Microsoft Excel. Statistical analysis was performed using the R statistical software, version 4.5.2. Results A total of 1,202 isolates were identified from animal, environmental, food, and human sources. Salmonella Kentucky, Salmonella Enteritidis, and Salmonella Typhimurium were the most frequently reported serovars. Notably, several isolates exhibited multidrug resistance (MDR) to between 8 and 10 antimicrobial agents. Identification and characterization of these NTS serovars were primarily achieved through molecular, serological, and mass spectrometry methods (particularly MALDI-TOF MS). Conclusion Overall, the findings highlight the predominance of poultry-associated NTS, the circulation of key zoonotic serovars, widespread antimicrobial resistance, and the growing adoption of molecular diagnostics. However, the absence of integrated One Health surveillance across studies underscores critical gaps in regional monitoring systems.