Distribution and genetic characterization of fluoroquinolone resistance gene qnr among Salmonella strains from chicken in China

Abstract

Salmonella is a common foodborne pathogen responsible for 155,000 deaths annually worldwide. Fluoroquinolones (FQs) are used as first-line drugs for the treatment of Salmonella infections in several countries and regions. However, the emergence and increasing prevalence of the FQ-resistant gene qnr in Salmonella isolated from chickens have been widely reported. Gaining insight into the genetic mechanisms of AMR genes in chicken could lead to the development of preventive measures to control and reduce the risk of drug resistance. In this study, we identified qnr -positive Salmonellae isolated from chickens in different regions of China and their AMR patterns and genome-wide characteristics, providing a theoretical basis for further control of their prevalence and transmission.