Plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance in Salmonella serotypes isolated from chicken carcasses in Turkey

Abstract

Quinolones have been extensively used for treatment of a variety of invasive and systemic infections of salmonellosis. Widespread use of these agents has been associated with the emergence and dissemination of quinolone-resistant pathogens. The quinolone resistance and plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance determinants (qnrA, qnrB, qnrS and aac(6’)-Ib-cr) of 85 Salmonella isolates from chicken carcasses were investigated in this study. Isolates were serotyped according to the Kauffman-White-Le Minor scheme, and broth microdilution method was used to determine quinolone resistance. Plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance genes were investigated by real-time PCR and positive results were confirmed by sequencing. Among the Salmonella isolates, 30/85 (35%) and 18/85 (21%) were found to be resistant to enrofloxacin (MIC ≥ 2 mg/ml), and danofloxacin (MIC ≥ 2 mg/ml), respectively. All the isolates were negative for qnrA, qnrB and aac(6’)-Ib-cr genes, nevertheless 2% (S. Brandenburg and S. Dabou) were positive for qnrS (qnrS1 determinant). This study is the first and unique investigating the plasmidmediated quinolone resistance determinants of Salmonella isolated from chicken carcasses in Turkey.