Multi-drug Resistant (MDR) and Extended Spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) Producing Salmonella species isolated from fresh chicken liver samples

Abstract Objective: Emergence of antibiotic resistance among microbes contaminating the fresh meat and meat products is a global public health concern as they can be easily transmitted to humans through their consumption and contact. The current study aimed to isolate and identify Salmonella sp. from fresh chicken liver samples and determine their antibiotic susceptibility patterns with special emphasis on multidrug resistance (MDR) and extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) production. Results: Out of 200 samples analyzed, 61 (30.5%) samples harbored Salmonella species among which 15 (7.5%) samples showed the presence of Salmonella Typhi isolates. A significant association was noted in the incidence of Salmonella with various factors pertaining to the butchers such as age, sex and literacy rate. Salmonella isolates were highly sensitive to amikacin (82.0%) and least sensitive to tetracycline (3.3%). All the isolates were resistant to colistin. Moreover, 56 isolates were identified as multidrug-resistant. The total number of ESBL producers reported among Salmonella isolates was 29 (47.5%). The study reported the presence of antibiotic-resistant Salmonella species in fresh chicken liver samples sold in Bharatpur metropolis suggesting a need of serious attention by the concerned authorities. Keywords: Salmonella , Fresh chicken liver samples, Antibiotic Susceptibility Test, Multi-drug Resistance, Extended Spectrum β-lactamase