Abstract
Objective: Non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) is a major foodborne pathogen in both developed and developing countries. The study was undertaken to determine the prevalence, serotype distribution and antimicrobial resistance profiles of NTS isolates from livestock and food samples collected in and around Kolkata during 2012-2013. Materials and methods: A total of 500 samples (animal, poultry and raw food) from 12 different places randomly collected in and around Kolkata were processed as per standard procedures and analyzed for NTS. Serotyping of the isolates was done followed by determination of antimicrobial resistance profiles and Minimum inhibitory concentrations following disc diffusion and E-test methods. Results: A total of 53 (10.6%) NTS isolates were recovered, with highest isolation from chicken (40%), followed by beef and poultry cloacal samples (22% each). Total 11 Salmonella serovars were identified with predominance of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) (30.2%) followed by S. Kentucky (22.6%), S. Idikan (15.1%) and other serovars. This is the first report of isolation of S. Idikan from India. Thirty-two (60.4%) isolates were pan susceptible to all drugs tested. Percentage distribution of resistant NTS against antimicrobials were: nalidixic acid (24.5%), ampicillin (17%), amoxicillin (17%), streptomycin (15.1%), tetracycline (11.3%), chloramphenicol (9.4%), co-trimoxazole (9.4%) and ciprofloxacin (5.7%). Only one isolate (S. Senftenberg) was resistant to both fluroquinolones and third generation cephalosporins. Multidrug resistance (≥3 classes of antimicrobials) was observed in 13.2% NTS isolates. Conclusion: High prevalence of NTS in poultry and meat samples in Kolkata poses a potential risk of foodborne disease in humans. J Microbiol Infect Dis 2016;6(3): 113-120.<br>