Prevalence and antibiotic-resistance of Salmonella isolated from food in Morocco

Prevention and Control of Human Salmonella enterica Infections: An Implication in Food Safety

Salmonella is a foodborne zoonotic pathogen causing diarrhoeal disease to humans after consuming contaminated water, animal, and plant products. The bacterium is the third leading cause of human death among diarrhoeal diseases worldwide. Therefore, human salmonellosis is of public health concern demanding integrated interventions against the causative agent, Salmonella enterica. The prevention of salmonellosis in humans is intricate due to several factors, including an immune-stable individual infected with S. enterica continuing to shed live bacteria without showing any clinical signs. Similarly, the asymptomatic Salmonella animals are the source of salmonellosis in humans after consuming contaminated food products. Furthermore, the contaminated products of plant and animal origin are a menace in food industries due to Salmonella biofilms, which enhance colonization, persistence, and survival of bacteria on equipment. The contaminated food products resulting from bacteria on equipment offset the economic competition of food industries and partner institutions in international business. The most worldwide prevalent broad-range Salmonella serovars affecting humans are Salmonella Typhimurium and Salmonella Enteritidis, and poultry products, among others, are the primary source of infection. The broader range of Salmonella serovars creates concern over multiple strategies for preventing and controlling Salmonella contamination in foods to enhance food safety for humans. Among the strategies for preventing and controlling Salmonella spread in animal and plant products include biosecurity measures, isolation and quarantine, epidemiological surveillance, farming systems, herbs and spices, and vaccination. Other measures are the application of phages, probiotics, prebiotics, and nanoparticles reduced and capped with antimicrobial agents. Therefore, Salmonella-free products, such as beef, pork, poultry meat, eggs, milk, and plant foods, such as vegetables and fruits, will prevent humans from Salmonella infection. This review explains Salmonella infection in humans caused by consuming contaminated foods and the interventions against Salmonella contamination in foods to enhance food safety and quality for humans.

Effects of Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Equine on Salmonella-Infected Gut Mouse Model

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial potential of lactic acid bacteria (Weissella confuse, Pediococcus acidilactici, and Ligilactobacillus equi) isolated from healthy equine in Wuhan against Salmonella Typhimurium CVCC542-induced mice model on intestinal microflora. In previous studies, these isolated strains showed good probiotic potentials in vitro. In this study, fifty healthy mice were randomly divided into five groups, the blank control group, the control group, the Pediococcus acidilactici group (1 × 10⁸ CFU/day), the Ligilactobacillus equi group (1 × 10⁸ CFU/day), and the Weissella confuse group (1 × 10⁸ CFU/day). The body weight in control group and Weissella confuse group showed significant decreased (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), while Pediococcus acidilactici group and Ligilactobacillus equi group showed good recovering after treatments. The lowest diarrhea rate was shown in Ligilactobacillus equi group after treatment. In histopathology, Ligilactobacillus equi group showed the least structural damage in duodenum, and all probiotic treatment groups showed less damage in cecum. The sequence data and optical transform unit showed that Pediococcus acidilactici group and Ligilactobacillus equi group had higher number than control group, while the diversity data showed that the control group and Weissella confuse group had lower diversity in cecum. Microbial community analysis showed increased abundance of Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, uncultured_bacterium_f_Muribaculaceae, and Lactobacillus in treatment groups, while potential microbes that can induce intestinal diseases such as Verrucomicrobia, Akkermansia, and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group decreased in the treatment groups. In conclusion, lactic acid bacteria isolated from the healthy horses could alleviate the infection of Salmonella and regulate intestinal flora.

Current State of Salmonella, Campylobacter and Listeria in the Food Chain across the Arab Countries: A Descriptive Review

Foodborne infections caused by bacterial pathogens are a common cause of human illness in the Middle East, with a substantial burden of economic loss and public health consequences. This review aims at elucidating recent literature on the prevalence of Non-Typhoidal Salmonella (NTS), Campylobacter and Listeria monocytogens in the food chain in the Arab countries, and to consolidate available evidence on the public health burden and the status of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among the concerned three pathogens. The reviewed evidence points to a scarcity of understanding of the magnitude of NTS in the food chain in the Arab countries. Additionally, not much work has been done at the molecular characterization level to address the source-attribution of NTS in the Arab World. Very few surveys have been done on Campylobacter in the food chain in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. There is a gap in quantitative (counts/numbers) surveillance efforts for Campylobacter in the chicken meat supply across all Arab countries, despite the availability of some qualitative (presence/absence) surveillance data. While there are several reports on L. monocytogenes in animal-sourced foods, notably in North African Arab countries, fewer are published on L. monocytogenes in plant-sourced foods. Information on the L. monocytogenes serotypes and strain diversity circulating in the Arab region is widely lacking. Antibiotic resistance in the three pathogens is not fully understood across the Arab region, despite some reports indicating varying trends at the human-food interface. The literature evidence presented in this review stresses that Salmonella, Campylobacter and L. monocytogenes continue to challenge food safety and public health in the Arab countries.

Combination of Natural Compounds With Novel Non-thermal Technologies for Poultry Products: A Review

Ensuring safe, fresh, and healthy food across the shelf life of a commodity is an ongoing challenge, with the driver to minimize chemical additives and their residues in the food processing chain. High-value fresh protein products such as poultry meat are very susceptible to spoilage due to oxidation and bacterial contamination. The combination of non-thermal processing interventions with nature-based alternatives is emerging as a useful tool for potential adoption for safe poultry meat products. Natural compounds are produced by living organisms that are extracted from nature and can be used as antioxidant, antimicrobial, and bioactive agents and are often employed for other existing purposes in food systems. Non-thermal technology interventions such as high-pressure processing, pulsed electric field, ultrasound, irradiation, and cold plasma technology are gaining increasing importance due to the advantages of retaining low temperatures, nutrition profiles, and short treatment times. The non-thermal unit process can act as an initial obstacle promoting the reduction of microflora, while natural compounds can provide an active obstacle either in addition to processing or during storage time to maintain quality and inhibit and control growth of residual contaminants. This review presents the application of natural compounds along with emerging non-thermal technologies to address risks in fresh poultry meat.

Occurrence and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profile of Salmonella Isolates from Animal Origin Food Items in Selected Areas of Arsi Zone, Southeastern Ethiopia, 2018/19

The status of Salmonella and its antimicrobial susceptibility profile in animal origin food items from different catering establishments in Ethiopia is scarce. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the occurrence and antimicrobial susceptibility profile of Salmonella isolates from animal origin food items in the selected areas of Arsi Zone. One hundred ninety-two animal origin food samples were collected and processed for Salmonella isolation. Isolates were tested for their susceptibility to 13 antimicrobials using Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion assay. An overall prevalence of 9.4% (18/192) Salmonella spp. isolates were recovered from animal origin food samples collected from different catering establishments. Seven (21.9%) of "Dulet," 4 (12.5%) of "Kitfo," 3 (9.4%) of "Kurt," 2 (6.3%) of raw milk, 1 (3.1%) of egg sandwich and 1 (3.1%) of cream cake samples were positive for Salmonella. Catering establishments, protective clothing, source of contamination, manner of hand washing, and money handling were among the putative risk factors that were significantly associated (p < 0.05) with Salmonella spp. occurrence. Ampicillin, nitrofurans, and sulphonamide resistance were significantly associated (p < 0.05) with Salmonella spp. occurrence in the selected food items. Three (16.7%), 5 (27.8%), 5 (27.8%), and 4 (22.2%) of the isolates were resistant to 3, 4, 5, and 6 antibiotics, respectively, whereas only a sole isolate was resistant to two antibiotics (viz. ampicillin and kanamycin). In conclusion, the general sanitary condition of the catering establishments, utensils used, and personnel hygienic practices were not to the recommended standards in the current study. Besides, detection of multidrug-resistant strains of Salmonella in animal origin food items from different catering establishments suggests the need for detailed epidemiological and molecular characterization of the pathogen so as to establish the sources of acquisition of resistant Salmonella strains. Hence, implementation of Salmonella prevention and control strategies from farm production to consumption of animal origin food items are crucial.

Chemical Composition and Antibacterial Activities of Eight Plant Essential Oils from Morocco against Escherichia coli Strains Isolated from Different Turkey Organs

The aim of the present study was to determine the chemical composition of eight plant essential oils and evaluate their antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli strains isolated from different turkey organs. The essential oils were extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy. All essential oil yielded high in a range between 2.2 and 3.12%. Gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) revealed that the major constituents of Thymus vulgaris, Ocimum basilicum, Artemisia herba-alba, and Syzygium aromaticum oils were thymol (41.39%), linalool (37.16%), camphor (63.69%), and eugenol (80.83%), respectively. Results of the E. coli sensitivity evaluated by the standard antimicrobial sensitivity method varied depending on the organ of isolation. Similarly, the essential oils antimicrobial activity determined by the disc diffusion method varied all along within the organs of isolation. T. vulgaris essential oil showed the highest effective antibacterial activity against E. coli isolated from the throat with an inhibition zone diameter value of up to 23.33 mm. However, all the essential oils showed antibacterial activity and the MIC and MBC values were in the range of 1/3000 to 1/100 (v/v) and the ratios MBC/MIC were equal to 1. In conclusion, this study showed that the essential oils could be promising alternatives to overcome E. coli multiresistance in turkey.

Prevalence, Antibiotic Susceptibility Profile, and Associated Risk Factors of Salmonella Isolate among Diarrheal Patients Visiting Dessie Referral Hospital, Northeast Ethiopia

Salmonellosis remains an important public health problem worldwide, particularly in the developing countries such as Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence, antibiotic susceptibility profile, and associated risk factors of Salmonella isolate among diarrheal patients who were visiting Dessie Referral Hospital, Dessie, Northeast Ethiopia, from November 2016 to January 2017. 384 stool samples were collected using sterile stool cups. Out of these, 20 (5.21%) were found to be positive for Salmonella species. The distribution of positive samples among the three age groups indicated that Salmonella species were predominantly prevalent in the age group of three months (0.25 years) to 4 years old patients. Abdominal pain, vomiting, watery consistency of stool, and 1–5 days of diarrhea were the clinical features that were significantly associated with salmonellosis. Eating raw vegetables and fruits, consumption of street-vended foods, cohabitation of animals, using water from the unprotected source, absence of latrine, and consumption of raw products of animals such as eggs and raw milk were the risk factors that were significantly associated with the prevalence of Salmonella species. The antibiotic sensitivity test was performed for the isolated Salmonella species against 5 currently recommended antibiotics. The antimicrobial sensitivity study carried out using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method showed that 100% of Salmonella isolates were sensitive to ciprofloxacin and 80% sensitive to nalidixic acid, respectively. Among them, twenty isolated Salmonella species resistant to ampicillin, tetracycline, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole were 100%, 85%, and 80%, respectively. This study revealed that Salmonella species were prevalent among diarrheal patients who were visiting Dessie Referral Hospital, and therefore, routine diagnosis of patients with diarrhea cases is required, and drugs must be prescribed after performing the sensitivity test, or checking the updated information on the local antibiotics pattern is always necessary.

Epidemiological Study on Prevalence, Serovar Diversity, Multidrug Resistance, and CTX-M-Type Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamases of Salmonella spp. from Patients with Diarrhea, Food of Animal Origin, and Pets in Several Provinces of China

A total of 2,283 Salmonella isolates were recovered from 18,334 samples, including samples from patients with diarrhea, food of animal origin, and pets, across 5 provinces of China. The highest prevalence of Salmonella spp. was detected in chicken meats (39.3%, 486/1,237). Fifteen serogroups and 66 serovars were identified, with Salmonella enterica serovars Typhimurium and Enteritidis being the most dominant. Most (85.5%, 1,952/2,283) isolates exhibited resistance to ≥1 antimicrobial, and 56.4% were multidrug resistant (MDR). A total of 222 isolates harbored extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs), and 200 of these were of the CTX-M type and were mostly detected in isolates from chicken meat and turtle fecal samples. Overall, eight blaCTX-M genes were identified, with blaCTX-M-65, blaCTX-M-123, blaCTX-M-14, blaCTX-M-79, and blaCTX-M-130 being the most prevalent. In total, 166 of the 222 ESBL-producing isolates had amino acid substitutions in GyrA (S83Y, S83F, D87G, D87N, and D87Y) and ParC (S80I), while the plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR)-encoding genes oqxA, oqxB, qepA, qnrB, and qnrS were detected in almost all isolates. Of the 15 sequence types (STs) identified in the 222 ESBLs, ST17, ST11, ST34, and ST26 ranked among the top 5 in number of isolates. Our study revealed considerable serovar diversity and a high prevalence of the co-occurrence of MDR determinants, including CTX-M-type ESBLs, quinolone resistance-determining region (QRDR) mutations, and PMQR genes. This is the first report of CTX-M-130 Salmonella spp. from patients with diarrhea and QRDR mutations from turtle fecal samples. Our study emphasizes the importance of actions, both in health care settings and in the veterinary medicine sector, to control the dissemination of MDR, especially the CTX-M-type ESBL-harboring Salmonella isolates.

Prevalence of Campylobacter and Salmonella in African food animals and meat: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Campylobacter and Salmonella, particularly non-typhoidal Salmonella, are important bacterial enteric pathogens of humans which are often carried asymptomatically in animal reservoirs. Bacterial foodborne infections, including those derived from meat, are associated with illness and death globally but the burden is disproportionately high in Africa. Commercial meat production is increasing and intensifying in many African countries, creating opportunities and threats for food safety.

METHODS

Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we searched six databases for English language studies published through June 2016, that reported Campylobacter or Salmonella carriage or infection prevalence in food animals and contamination prevalence in food animal products from African countries. A random effects meta-analysis and multivariable logistic regression were used to estimate the species-specific prevalence of Salmonella and Campylobacter and assess relationships between sample type and region and the detection or isolation of either pathogen.

RESULTS

Seventy-three studies reporting Campylobacter and 187 studies reporting Salmonella across 27 African countries were represented. Adjusted prevalence calculations estimate Campylobacter detection in 37.7% (95% CI 31.6-44.3) of 11,828 poultry samples; 24.6% (95% CI 18.0-32.7) of 1975 pig samples; 17.8% (95% CI 12.6-24.5) of 2907 goat samples; 12.6% (95% CI 8.4-18.5) of 2382 sheep samples; and 12.3% (95% CI 9.5-15.8) of 6545 cattle samples. Salmonella were detected in 13.9% (95% CI 11.7-16.4) of 25,430 poultry samples; 13.1% (95% CI 9.3-18.3) of 5467 pig samples; 9.3% (95% CI 7.2-12.1) of 2988 camel samples; 5.3% (95% CI 4.0-6.8) of 72,292 cattle samples; 4.8% (95% CI 3.6-6.3) of 11,335 sheep samples; and 3.4% (95% CI 2.2-5.2) of 4904 goat samples. 'External' samples (e.g. hide, feathers) were significantly more likely to be contaminated by both pathogens than 'gut' (e.g. faeces, cloaca) while meat and organs were significantly less likely to be contaminated than gut samples.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated widespread prevalence of Campylobacter species and Salmonella serovars in African food animals and meat, particularly in samples of poultry and pig origin. Source attribution studies could help ascertain which food animals are contributing to human campylobacteriosis and salmonellosis and direct potential food safety interventions.

Pattern of increased antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella isolates in the Eastern Province of KSA

OBJECTIVES

The antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella species is increasing worldwide. This study was conducted to determine the pattern of antimicrobial susceptibility of Salmonella species in a tertiary hospital from 2011 to 2018.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, the medical records of all patients with Salmonella infections were reviewed. The clinical, demographic, and microbiological data of the selected patients were analysed.

RESULTS

A total of 752 patients were included. The resistance of Salmonella species to antimicrobial drugs increased from 24.6% in 2011 to 37.8% in 2018 (p = 0.002). By 2018 all Salmonella isolates were completely resistant to cefalotin, cefuroxime, and cefoxitin, while we found some susceptibility to other cephalosporins and ciprofloxacin. The most commonly isolated Salmonella serogroups were groups D (36.5%), C (23.5%), and B (11.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of resistance of Salmonella to antibiotics is on the rise. The results of this study highlight the need for an active monitoring system of antibiotic usage in humans and domestic animals.

Worldwide Epidemiology of Salmonella Serovars in Animal-Based Foods: a Meta-analysis

Salmonella spp. are among the most important foodborne pathogens and the third leading cause of human death among diarrheal diseases worldwide. Animals are the primary source of this pathogen, and animal-based foods are the main transmission route to humans. Thus, understanding the global epidemiology of Salmonella serovars is key to controlling and monitoring this bacterium. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and diversity of Salmonella enterica serovars in animal-based foods (beef, pork, poultry, and seafood) throughout the five continents (Africa, the Americas [North and Latin America], Asia, Europe, and Oceania). The meta-analysis consisted of a chemometric assessment (hierarchical cluster analysis and principal component analysis) to identify the main epidemiological findings, including the prevalence and diversity of the Salmonella serovars in each matrix. Regarding the serovar distribution, S Typhimurium presented a cosmopolitan distribution, reported in all four assessed matrices and continents; poultry continues to play a central role in the dissemination of the Enteritidis serovar to humans, and Anatum and Weltevreden were the most frequently found in beef and seafood, respectively. Additionally, we recommended careful monitoring of certain serovars, such as Derby, Agona, Infantis, and Kentucky. Finally, given the scientific data regarding the most frequently reported serovars and which matrices constitute the main vehicles for the transmission of this pathogen, control programs may be improved, and specific interventions may be implemented in an attempt to reduce the risk of this pathogen reaching humans.IMPORTANCE Salmonellosis is caused by Salmonella spp. and is the third leading cause of death among food-transmitted diseases. This pathogen is commonly disseminated in domestic and wild animals, and the infection's symptoms are characterized by acute fever, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. The animals are the primary source of salmonellae, and animal-based foods are the main transmission route to humans. Therefore, data collected from these sources could contribute to future global interventions for effective control and surveillance of Salmonella along the food chain. In light of this, the importance of our research is in identifying the prevalence of Salmonella serovars in four animal-based food matrices (pork, poultry, beef, and seafood) and to evaluate the importance that each matrix has as the primary source of this pathogen to humans.

Prevalence and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profile of Salmonella Serovars Isolated from Slaughtered Cattle in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Salmonella is one of the top causes of foodborne bacterial illnesses in humans. The primary sources of human Salmonella infection are food producing animals such as cattle, poultry, and swine. A cross-sectional study was undertaken to estimate the prevalence and to determine the serovar distribution and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of Salmonella spp. isolated from fecal (n=567) and carcass swab (n=159) samples of slaughtered cattle at Addis Ababa Abattoir Enterprise and Kara'alo PLC, Abattoirs, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia between January 2014 and April 2015. Salmonella isolation was conducted according to Global Foodborne Infections Network Laboratory Protocol and isolates were confirmed by genus specific PCR and serotyped by slide agglutination test. Susceptibility of the isolates to 17 antimicrobials was testedusing the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method according to the guidelines of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Out of the total 726 samples examined, 27 (3.7%) were positive for Salmonella. Salmonella was detected in 4.1% (23/567) fecal and 2.5% (4/159) carcass swab samples. Twelve different serovars were identified and the most predominant serovars were S. Dublin (n=10, 35.7%) and S. Virchow (n=5, 17.9%), followed by S. Braendrerup, S. Haifa, and S. Saintpaul which were isolated from 2 samples each (7.1%). All of the Salmonella isolates investigated were resistant or intermediately resistant to four or more of the 17 drugs tested. High resistance rate was recorded to streptomycin 25 (89.3%), cephalothin 20 (71.4%), ampicillin 19 (67.9%), and amoxicillin+clavulanic acid 19 (67.9%). Resistance to five or more antimicrobials was detected in 20 (71.5%) of the isolates. Multidrug resistance to more than 7 antimicrobials was detected in 5 (17.9%) of the isolates. Isolation of such multidrug resistant strains of Salmonella from slaughtered cattle poses a major public health concern. These findings imply the need for a strict biosecurity and regulation of antimicrobial use across the country.

A Review on the Rising Prevalence of International Standards: Threats or Opportunities for the Agri-Food Produce Sector in Developing Countries, with a Focus on Examples from the MENA Region

Food safety standards are a necessity to protect consumers' health in today's growing global food trade. A number of studies have suggested safety standards can interrupt trade, bringing financial and technical burdens on small as well as large agri-food producers in developing countries. Other examples have shown that economical extension, key intermediaries, and funded initiatives have substantially enhanced the capacities of growers in some countries of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to meet the food safety and quality requirements, and improve their access to international markets. These endeavors often compensate for the weak regulatory framework, but do not offer a sustainable solution. There is a big gap in the food safety level and control systems between countries in the MENA region and those in the developed nations. This certainly has implications for the safety of fresh produce and agricultural practices, which hinders any progress in their international food trade. To overcome the barriers of legal and private standards, food safety should be a national priority for sustainable agricultural development in the MENA countries. Local governments have a primary role in adopting the vision for developing and facilitating the implementation of their national Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) standards that are consistent with the international requirements and adapted to local policies and environment. Together, the public and private sector's support are instrumental to deliver the skills and infrastructure needed for leveraging the safety and quality level of the agri-food chain.

Serovars and antimicrobial resistance of non-typhoidal Salmonella isolated from non-diarrhoeic dogs in Grenada, West Indies

Non-typhoidal salmonellosis remains an important public health problem worldwide. Dogs may harbour Salmonella in their intestines and can easily shed Salmonella in the environment with the possibility of transmission to humans. Thus, monitoring is essential to understand the role of dogs in zoonotic transmission. The objectives of this study were to determine the shedding of Salmonella by owned, apparently healthy dogs in Grenada, West Indies, to identify the serovars, and to examine their antimicrobial susceptibility profiles. Faecal samples collected during August to October, 2016 from 144 non-diarrhoeic owned dogs were examined by enrichment and selective culture for the presence of Salmonella spp. Eight (5.6%) of the tested animals were culture positive, yielding 35 Salmonella isolates that belonged to six serovars of Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica. These were serovars Arechavaleta from two dogs, Arechavaleta and Montevideo from one dog, and Javiana, Rubislaw, Braenderup and Kiambu from one dog each. All these serovars have been reported as causes of human salmonellosis globally. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests on 35 isolates showed absence of resistance to the currently used drugs for cases of human salmonellosis, including ciprofloxacin and cefotaxime. One isolate (2.9%) was resistant to neomycin, two isolates (5.7%) showed intermediate susceptibility to neomycin, and another (2.9%) had intermediate susceptibility to tetracycline. This is the first report of isolation and antimicrobial susceptibilities of non-typhoidal Salmonella serovars from dogs in Grenada. This study shows that dogs in Grenada may be involved in the epidemiology of salmonellosis.

Multinational outbreak of travel-related Salmonella Chester infections in Europe, summers 2014 and 2015

Between 2014 and 2015, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control was informed of an increase in numbers of Salmonella enterica serotype Chester cases with travel to Morocco occurring in six European countries. Epidemiological and microbiological investigations were conducted. In addition to gathering information on the characteristics of cases from the different countries in 2014, the epidemiological investigation comprised a matched case-case study involving French patients with salmonellosis who travelled to Morocco that year. A univariate conditional logistic regression was performed to quantify associations. The microbiological study included a whole genome sequencing (WGS) analysis of clinical and non-human isolates of S. Chester of varied place and year of isolation. A total of 162 cases, mostly from France, followed by Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, Denmark and Sweden were reported, including 86 (53%) women. The median age per country ranged from 3 to 38 years. Cases of S. Chester were more likely to have eaten in a restaurant and visited the coast of Morocco. The results of WGS showed five multilocus sequence types (ST), with 96 of 153 isolates analysed clustering into a tight group that corresponded to a novel ST, ST1954. Of these 96 isolates, 46 (48%) were derived from food or patients returning from Morocco and carried two types of plasmids containing either qnrS1 or qnrB19 genes. This European-wide outbreak associated with travel to Morocco was likely a multi-source outbreak with several food vehicles contaminated by multidrug-resistant S. Chester strains.

Prevalence and Antimicrobial Resistance of Salmonella Isolated from Animal-Origin Food Items in Gondar, Ethiopia

Salmonella has been found to be the major cause of foodborne diseases and a serious public health problem in the world, with an increasing concern for the emergence and spread of antimicrobial-resistant strains. A cross-sectional study was conducted between February 2014 and December 2015 on food items of animal origin to assess the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance profiles of Salmonella isolates using standard bacteriological methods. The overall prevalence rate of 5.5% was recorded from the total analyzed food items of animal origin. Salmonella isolates were detected from 12% of raw meat, 8% of minced meat, 2.9% of burger samples, 18% of raw eggs, and 6% of raw milk. Furthermore, antimicrobial susceptibility test identified 47.6% resistant Salmonella isolates, 28.6% intermediately sensitive isolates, and 23.8% susceptible isolates. Among Salmonella isolates tested, 42.6%, 28.6%, and 14.3% were found to be relatively resistant to tetracycline, sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, and ampicillin, respectively, while 9.5%–19% were intermediately resistant to tetracycline, amoxicillin, ampicillin, cephalothin, and nitrofurantoin. Therefore, our findings provide the prevalence and drug resistance of Salmonella from foods of animal origin and contribute information to scientists as well as public health researchers to minimize the prevalent and resistant foodborne Salmonella species in Ethiopia.

Epidemiology of <i>Salmonella</i> and <i>Salmonellosis</i>

The prevalence of enteritis and its accompanying diarrheal and other health challenges linked to infections with Salmonella has continuously plagued sub Saharan Africa. In Nigeria, typhoid fever is among the major widespread diseases affecting both young and old as a result of many interrelated factors such as inadequate sanitaion, indiscriminate use of antibiotics and fecal contamination of water sources. Morbidity associated with illness due to Salmonella continues to increase with untold fatal consequences, often resulting in death. An accurate figure of cases is difficult to arrive at because only large outbreaks are mostly investigated whereas sporadic cases are under-reported. A vast majority of rural dwellers in Africa often resort to self-medication or seek no treatment at all, hence serving as carries of this disease. Non typhoidal cases of salmonellosis account for about 1.3 billion cases with 3 million deaths annually. Given the magnitude of the economic losses incurred by African nations in the battle against salmonella and salmonellosis, this article takes a critical look at the genus Salmonella, its morphology, isolation, physiological and biochemical characteristics, typing methods, methods of detection, virulence factor, epidemiology and methods of spread within the environment.

Serotypes, antimicrobial profiles, and public health significance of Salmonella from camels slaughtered in Maiduguri central abattoir, Nigeria

AIM

This study aimed at determining the serotypes, antimicrobial profiles, and public health importance of Salmonella strains from camels slaughtered at Maiduguri central abattoir, Nigeria.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two hundred samples were obtained from camel comprising of intestines, feces, liver, and spleen (n=50 each). Non-lactose fermenting dark center Salmonella colonies were identified using standard biochemical techniques, serotyped and subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility test using minimum inhibition concentration method.

RESULTS

Out of the 200 samples collected, 17 were Salmonella positive (spleen=7, intestine=6, feces=3, and liver=1) with a prevalence of 8.5%. Five serotypes comprising Salmonella Eko, 7 (3.5%), Salmonella Uganda, 4 (2.0%), Salmonella Amager, 2 (1.0%), Salmonella Westhampton, 2 (1.0%), and Salmonella Give, 2 (1.0%) were incriminated. Majority of the serotypes were sensitive to the antimicrobials, but one Salmonella Amager exhibited resistance to streptomycin, and one each of Salmonella Uganda and Salmonella Eko were resistant to sulfamethoxazole.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed the prevalence and the antibiotic resistance profile of newly emerging Salmonella from camels in the northeast of Nigeria, which can serve as a means for the transmission of Salmonella to human. Therefore, there is a need for the establishment of national Salmonella surveillance and control programs.

Isolation and molecular characterization of Salmonella spp. from chevon and chicken meat collected from different districts of Chhattisgarh, India

AIM

The aim was to assess the prevalence of Salmonella in raw chevon and chicken meat sold in the retail meat shops situated in and around Durg, Rajnandgaon, Dhamtari, Raipur, and Bilaspur districts of Chhattisgarh. Studies were also conducted to find out the antibiotic resistance in Salmonella isolates.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 400 samples comprising of 200 chevon meat and 200 chicken meat samples were processed for isolation of Salmonella and all isolates were further confirmed on the basis of cultural and biochemical characters and by targeting invA gene of Salmonella. All Salmonella isolates were also examined for their antimicrobial drug susceptibility/resistance pattern against commonly used antibiotics.

RESULTS

Out of 400 samples, the prevalence of Salmonella in chevon and chicken meat was found 9% and 7% respectively, with an overall prevalence of 8%. Polymerase chain reaction targeting invA gene of Salmonella showed positive result with 31 isolates. All 32 Salmonella isolates were found to be highly sensitive to ciprofloxacin while 96.87%, 96.87% and 93.75% were sensitive to gentamicin, imipenem, and ceftazidime, respectively. 93.75% and 59.37% isolates were resistant to erythromycin and oxytetracycline, respectively. Out of 32, 14 isolates had multiple antibiotic resistance index equal to or more than 0.2.

CONCLUSION

Salmonella in chevon and chicken meat samples is prevailing in the areas of sampling due to poor hygienic conditions and also demonstrated the varied spectrum of antimicrobial resistance, including several multiple drug resistance phenotypes. Therefore, the present study emphasizes the need for continued surveillance of zoonotic foodborne pathogens including antimicrobial-resistant variants throughout the food production chain.

Prevalence and detection of antibiotic-resistant determinant in Salmonella isolated from food-producing animals

Salmonella spp. infections are considered as the most common food-borne disease globally. The contamination of food products with Salmonella has given rise to severe health and economic challenges. This study assessed the prevalence of Salmonella in the faeces of cows and goats in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, their antibiotic resistance patterns as well as antibiotic-resistant gene determinant. Antibiotic disc was used for antibiogram profiles while polymerase chain reaction was employed for the detection of antibiotic-resistant genes. A total of 150 Salmonella were isolated from the faecal samples. Eighty two (55%) isolates were recovered from cow faeces while 68 (45%) were isolated from goat faeces. All Salmonella isolates were sensitive to ciprofloxacin (100%) while 95% were sensitive to ofloxacin. Also, a high sensitivity of 93 and 89% was observed against nalidixic acid and ofloxacin, respectively. Salmonella isolates demonstrated moderate sensitivity against cephalothin (70%), chloramphenicol (75%) and minocycline (68%) while 49% were resistant to tetracycline and erythromycin. The prevalence of the antibiotic-resistant genes in Salmonella isolates were detected as follows: integron conserved segment 28% (42/150), bla TEM gene 19.3% (29/150), blapse₁ 7.3% (11/150) and blaampC 4.7% (7/150). The results obtained in the study imply that cow and goat faeces could be potential reservoirs of Salmonella and could possibly cause infections as a result of contamination of food products. There is a need for a surveillance system to track resistance patterns of Salmonella circulating in South Africa.

Antimicrobial susceptibility and multi-drug resistance of Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovars in Sudan

This study was undertaken to determine the antimicrobial resistance patterns of Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica recovered from human, food, water, and animal samples collected in Khartoum State, Sudan. A total of 64 Salmonella isolates belonging to 28 different serovars were tested for their susceptibility to 13 antimicrobial agents. The majority of isolates (98.4 %) were resistant to at least one antimicrobial agent. Isolates were frequently resistant to ampicillin (90.6 %), cephalexin (50.0 %), nalidixic acid (25.0 %), streptomycin (21.9 %), kanamycin (18.8 %), gentamicin (17.2 %), and co-trimoxazole and trimethoprim (12.5 %). The most common pattern of multiple drug resistance included resistance to ampicillin and cephalexin. Most isolates were sensitive to chloramphenicol (98.4 %), ciprofloxacin (93.8 %), and norfloxacin (90.6 %). Two chicken- and the two human-origin S. Kentucky isolates were resistant to both ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin. All S. Kentucky isolates and the one S. Rissen isolate demonstrated multi-drug resistance. The results indicate the significance of multi-drug-resistant Salmonella serovars isolated from chickens and other animals and foods as sources for multi-drug-resistant Salmonella in humans in Sudan.