Prevalence and Characterization of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. in Layer Hen Eggs in West Africa: 
A Comprehensive Review of Laboratory-Based Evidence

Sissoko Aminata; Maiga Boubacar Madio dit Aladiogo; Diabate Daouda; Dicko Amadou Hamadoun; Samake Fasse

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ijmb.20251004.11

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| Peer-Reviewed

Prevalence and Characterization of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. in Layer Hen Eggs in West Africa: A Comprehensive Review of Laboratory-Based Evidence

Sissoko Aminata^*

, Maiga Boubacar Madio dit Aladiogo

, Diabate Daouda

, Dicko Amadou Hamadoun

, Samake Fasse

Published in International Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology (Volume 10, Issue 4)

Received: 6 November 2025 Accepted: 19 November 2025 Published: 11 December 2025

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Abstract

Layer hen eggs are an essential source of affordable animal protein for many populations in West Africa. However, their microbiological safety is frequently compromised by contamination with pathogenic Salmonella and Escherichia coli, two major agents of foodborne infections. This literature review, covering the period 2000–2025, draws upon international databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and AJOL) to analyze studies conducted in several countries across the subregion, including Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Benin, and Burkina Faso. Findings indicate that the prevalence of E. coli in eggs is generally higher than that of Salmonella, with rates exceeding 20% in certain contexts. Observed variations are influenced by several factors, including production system (intensive, semi-intensive, or backyard), the level of biosecurity implementation, and flock health management. Moreover, the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant strains, particularly to fluoroquinolones and cephalosporins, poses an increasing threat to both animal and human health by limiting available therapeutic options. A major concern also lies in disparities in diagnostic capacities: while some laboratories employ advanced techniques such as PCR or molecular serotyping, others still rely on conventional culture methods, potentially leading to an underestimation of contamination rates. This review highlights the urgent need to strengthen microbiological surveillance of eggs through harmonized regional programs. The development of reference laboratories, improvement of farm biosecurity practices, and strict quality control of eggs are identified as priority measures to mitigate health risks, protect public health, and ensure food safety across the region.

Published in	International Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology (Volume 10, Issue 4)
DOI	10.11648/j.ijmb.20251004.11
Page(s)	131-139
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Layer Hen Eggs, Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Food Safety, West Africa

References

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APA Style

Aminata, S., Aladiogo, M. B. M. D., Daouda, D., Hamadoun, D. A., Fasse, S. (2025). Prevalence and Characterization of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. in Layer Hen Eggs in West Africa: A Comprehensive Review of Laboratory-Based Evidence. International Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology, 10(4), 131-139. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmb.20251004.11

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ACS Style

Aminata, S.; Aladiogo, M. B. M. D.; Daouda, D.; Hamadoun, D. A.; Fasse, S. Prevalence and Characterization of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. in Layer Hen Eggs in West Africa: A Comprehensive Review of Laboratory-Based Evidence. Int. J. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 2025, 10(4), 131-139. doi: 10.11648/j.ijmb.20251004.11

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AMA Style

Aminata S, Aladiogo MBMD, Daouda D, Hamadoun DA, Fasse S. Prevalence and Characterization of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. in Layer Hen Eggs in West Africa: A Comprehensive Review of Laboratory-Based Evidence. Int J Microbiol Biotechnol. 2025;10(4):131-139. doi: 10.11648/j.ijmb.20251004.11

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@article{10.11648/j.ijmb.20251004.11,
  author = {Sissoko Aminata and Maiga Boubacar Madio dit Aladiogo and Diabate Daouda and Dicko Amadou Hamadoun and Samake Fasse},
  title = {Prevalence and Characterization of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. in Layer Hen Eggs in West Africa: 
A Comprehensive Review of Laboratory-Based Evidence},
  journal = {International Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology},
  volume = {10},
  number = {4},
  pages = {131-139},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijmb.20251004.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmb.20251004.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijmb.20251004.11},
  abstract = {Layer hen eggs are an essential source of affordable animal protein for many populations in West Africa. However, their microbiological safety is frequently compromised by contamination with pathogenic Salmonella and Escherichia coli, two major agents of foodborne infections. This literature review, covering the period 2000–2025, draws upon international databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and AJOL) to analyze studies conducted in several countries across the subregion, including Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Benin, and Burkina Faso. Findings indicate that the prevalence of E. coli in eggs is generally higher than that of Salmonella, with rates exceeding 20% in certain contexts. Observed variations are influenced by several factors, including production system (intensive, semi-intensive, or backyard), the level of biosecurity implementation, and flock health management. Moreover, the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant strains, particularly to fluoroquinolones and cephalosporins, poses an increasing threat to both animal and human health by limiting available therapeutic options. A major concern also lies in disparities in diagnostic capacities: while some laboratories employ advanced techniques such as PCR or molecular serotyping, others still rely on conventional culture methods, potentially leading to an underestimation of contamination rates. This review highlights the urgent need to strengthen microbiological surveillance of eggs through harmonized regional programs. The development of reference laboratories, improvement of farm biosecurity practices, and strict quality control of eggs are identified as priority measures to mitigate health risks, protect public health, and ensure food safety across the region.},
 year = {2025}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Prevalence and Characterization of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. in Layer Hen Eggs in West Africa: 
A Comprehensive Review of Laboratory-Based Evidence
AU  - Sissoko Aminata
AU  - Maiga Boubacar Madio dit Aladiogo
AU  - Diabate Daouda
AU  - Dicko Amadou Hamadoun
AU  - Samake Fasse
Y1  - 2025/12/11
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmb.20251004.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijmb.20251004.11
T2  - International Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
JF  - International Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
JO  - International Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
SP  - 131
EP  - 139
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2578-9686
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmb.20251004.11
AB  - Layer hen eggs are an essential source of affordable animal protein for many populations in West Africa. However, their microbiological safety is frequently compromised by contamination with pathogenic Salmonella and Escherichia coli, two major agents of foodborne infections. This literature review, covering the period 2000–2025, draws upon international databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and AJOL) to analyze studies conducted in several countries across the subregion, including Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Benin, and Burkina Faso. Findings indicate that the prevalence of E. coli in eggs is generally higher than that of Salmonella, with rates exceeding 20% in certain contexts. Observed variations are influenced by several factors, including production system (intensive, semi-intensive, or backyard), the level of biosecurity implementation, and flock health management. Moreover, the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant strains, particularly to fluoroquinolones and cephalosporins, poses an increasing threat to both animal and human health by limiting available therapeutic options. A major concern also lies in disparities in diagnostic capacities: while some laboratories employ advanced techniques such as PCR or molecular serotyping, others still rely on conventional culture methods, potentially leading to an underestimation of contamination rates. This review highlights the urgent need to strengthen microbiological surveillance of eggs through harmonized regional programs. The development of reference laboratories, improvement of farm biosecurity practices, and strict quality control of eggs are identified as priority measures to mitigate health risks, protect public health, and ensure food safety across the region.
VL  - 10
IS  - 4
ER  -

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Author Information

Sissoko Aminata

Department of Quality Control, Central Veterinary Laboratory, Bamako, Mali

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0002-4614-8225
Maiga Boubacar Madio dit Aladiogo

Department of Quality Control, Central Veterinary Laboratory, Bamako, Mali

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0001-5480-136X
Diabate Daouda

Biology, Institute of Applied Sciences, University of Science, Technology, and Engineering of Bamako, Bamako, Mali

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0004-0136-0654
Dicko Amadou Hamadoun

Department of Animal Health, University of Segou, Segou, Mali

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1149-9081
Samake Fasse

Biology, Institute of Applied Sciences, University of Science, Technology, and Engineering of Bamako, Bamako, Mali

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0000-3964-9614

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Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Aminata, S., Aladiogo, M. B. M. D., Daouda, D., Hamadoun, D. A., Fasse, S. (2025). Prevalence and Characterization of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. in Layer Hen Eggs in West Africa: A Comprehensive Review of Laboratory-Based Evidence. International Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology, 10(4), 131-139. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmb.20251004.11

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ACS Style

Aminata, S.; Aladiogo, M. B. M. D.; Daouda, D.; Hamadoun, D. A.; Fasse, S. Prevalence and Characterization of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. in Layer Hen Eggs in West Africa: A Comprehensive Review of Laboratory-Based Evidence. Int. J. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 2025, 10(4), 131-139. doi: 10.11648/j.ijmb.20251004.11

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Aminata S, Aladiogo MBMD, Daouda D, Hamadoun DA, Fasse S. Prevalence and Characterization of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. in Layer Hen Eggs in West Africa: A Comprehensive Review of Laboratory-Based Evidence. Int J Microbiol Biotechnol. 2025;10(4):131-139. doi: 10.11648/j.ijmb.20251004.11

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.ijmb.20251004.11,
  author = {Sissoko Aminata and Maiga Boubacar Madio dit Aladiogo and Diabate Daouda and Dicko Amadou Hamadoun and Samake Fasse},
  title = {Prevalence and Characterization of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. in Layer Hen Eggs in West Africa: 
A Comprehensive Review of Laboratory-Based Evidence},
  journal = {International Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology},
  volume = {10},
  number = {4},
  pages = {131-139},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijmb.20251004.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmb.20251004.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijmb.20251004.11},
  abstract = {Layer hen eggs are an essential source of affordable animal protein for many populations in West Africa. However, their microbiological safety is frequently compromised by contamination with pathogenic Salmonella and Escherichia coli, two major agents of foodborne infections. This literature review, covering the period 2000–2025, draws upon international databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and AJOL) to analyze studies conducted in several countries across the subregion, including Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Benin, and Burkina Faso. Findings indicate that the prevalence of E. coli in eggs is generally higher than that of Salmonella, with rates exceeding 20% in certain contexts. Observed variations are influenced by several factors, including production system (intensive, semi-intensive, or backyard), the level of biosecurity implementation, and flock health management. Moreover, the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant strains, particularly to fluoroquinolones and cephalosporins, poses an increasing threat to both animal and human health by limiting available therapeutic options. A major concern also lies in disparities in diagnostic capacities: while some laboratories employ advanced techniques such as PCR or molecular serotyping, others still rely on conventional culture methods, potentially leading to an underestimation of contamination rates. This review highlights the urgent need to strengthen microbiological surveillance of eggs through harmonized regional programs. The development of reference laboratories, improvement of farm biosecurity practices, and strict quality control of eggs are identified as priority measures to mitigate health risks, protect public health, and ensure food safety across the region.},
 year = {2025}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Prevalence and Characterization of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. in Layer Hen Eggs in West Africa: 
A Comprehensive Review of Laboratory-Based Evidence
AU  - Sissoko Aminata
AU  - Maiga Boubacar Madio dit Aladiogo
AU  - Diabate Daouda
AU  - Dicko Amadou Hamadoun
AU  - Samake Fasse
Y1  - 2025/12/11
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmb.20251004.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijmb.20251004.11
T2  - International Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
JF  - International Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
JO  - International Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
SP  - 131
EP  - 139
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2578-9686
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmb.20251004.11
AB  - Layer hen eggs are an essential source of affordable animal protein for many populations in West Africa. However, their microbiological safety is frequently compromised by contamination with pathogenic Salmonella and Escherichia coli, two major agents of foodborne infections. This literature review, covering the period 2000–2025, draws upon international databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and AJOL) to analyze studies conducted in several countries across the subregion, including Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Benin, and Burkina Faso. Findings indicate that the prevalence of E. coli in eggs is generally higher than that of Salmonella, with rates exceeding 20% in certain contexts. Observed variations are influenced by several factors, including production system (intensive, semi-intensive, or backyard), the level of biosecurity implementation, and flock health management. Moreover, the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant strains, particularly to fluoroquinolones and cephalosporins, poses an increasing threat to both animal and human health by limiting available therapeutic options. A major concern also lies in disparities in diagnostic capacities: while some laboratories employ advanced techniques such as PCR or molecular serotyping, others still rely on conventional culture methods, potentially leading to an underestimation of contamination rates. This review highlights the urgent need to strengthen microbiological surveillance of eggs through harmonized regional programs. The development of reference laboratories, improvement of farm biosecurity practices, and strict quality control of eggs are identified as priority measures to mitigate health risks, protect public health, and ensure food safety across the region.
VL  - 10
IS  - 4
ER  -

Copy | Download