Resistance pattern of Salmonella isolates from food, animal and human sources to common antimicrobial agents

Abstract

Swab samples obtained from the floor of different poultry farms, abattoirs and fish ponds in parts of Delta State, Nigeria, were screened for the presence of Salmonella spp. The prevalence rates were 50.0, 70.0 and 48.5{%}, respectively. Samples of vegetable salad, raw beef and milk were also similarly screened and the prevalence rates were 26.7, 53.3 and 67.5{%}, respectively. 55{%} of the 60 faecal samples and 32{%} of the 22 urine samples obtained from patients with diarrhoea and urinary tract infections, respectively, were positive for Salmonella. All isolates were subjected to in vitro antibiotic susceptibility tests using the disc diffusion method. Ciprofloxacin appeared to be the most effective antimicrobial agent as only 25{%} of isolates from poultry farms, abattoirs and fish ponds were resistant to it. Similarly, only 7.7{%} of isolates from food items and 5.0{%} of isolates from patients were resistant to it. Cephalexin was least effective, followed by nalidixic acid. 60{%} of isolates from poultry farms, abattoirs and fish ponds, 35.9{%} of isolates from food sources, and 37.5{%} of isolates from patients were resistant to cephalexin. The presence of Salmonella spp. in these samples is a public health risk, as all strains of this organism are potentially pathogenic.