• Mzungu, I.
  Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria.
  




• Aminu, M.
  Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria.
  




• Olonitola, O. S.
  Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria.
  




• Inabo, H. I
  Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria.
  

This research was aimed at characterizing Salmonella serotypes prevalent among children with diarrhoea within the study area. A total of 634 stool samples from children aged five years and younger, exhibiting diarrhea, were collected and analyzed for Salmonella infection using culture, biochemical methods, and serology. Salmonella serotypes were confirmed through sequence of 16S rRNA gene of the isolates. Among the research subjects, the general prevalence of Salmonella spp. was 4.1%. Children between the ages of 25 and 36 months had the highest prevalence (10.4%). The 16S rRNA gene of 18 isolates were sequenced, and while 7 (38.1%) were Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar Typhimurium LT2, 11 (61.1%) were Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar Typhi CT18. The percentage similarity from the BLAST results of all 16S sequences varied from 86% to 99%, with Evalues below one. In the research area, Salmonella remains a primary and significant bacterial pathogen responsible for diarrhea in children; therefore, ensuring adequate access to potable water and vigilant surveillance of the incidence and transmission of diarrheal diseases can mitigate the disease burden in this population.