Disinfectants and one health review: The role of reactive oxygen species in the bactericidal activity of chlorine against Salmonella

Salmonella are among the most common foodborne pathogens in humans, and they are associated with mild to severe diseases commonly referred to as salmonellosis. The genus resides in various animals' intestinal tracts, including humans. It is one of the most diverse genera of bacteria, including over 2500 serovars. Consumption of poultry products contaminated with Salmonella is a significant source of disease transmission in humans. Because of this food safety concern, the poultry industry and governments spend billions of dollars on Salmonella containment methods. However, a completely effective strategy is yet to be established. Chlorine has been commonly used as a disinfectant in the poultry industry. In humans, antibiotic therapy is the primary means for managing Salmonella infection. However, widespread use of both compounds at sub-inhibitory concentrations has allowed resistant strains to emerge and rapidly spread globally. Both antimicrobial compounds involve generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) as a bactericidal mechanism of action. However, ROS generation and its association with bacterial survival and growth inhibition have not been widely explored. Thus, a better understanding of ROS generation during antimicrobial treatments may help devise better Salmonella containment strategies.