ESBL potential and multidrug resistance in Salmonella Strains isolated from chicken meat

Aydın A., Süleymanoğlu A. A., Kacper L.

ECVPH Conference & AGM 2026- Leveraging AI for Veterinary Public Health, Munich, Germany, 3 - 04 September 2026, pp.49, (Summary Text)

  • Publication Type: Conference Paper / Summary Text
  • City: Munich
  • Country: Germany
  • Page Numbers: pp.49
  • Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

  • Background: Salmonella, a major foodborne pathogen, poses a threat to global public health due to its role in the spread of antibiotic resistance. This study aimed to investigate the presence, genetic diversity, and resistance profiles of Salmonella in chicken meat, addressing the inseparable link among animal-derived foods, humans, and the environment within the framework of the “One Health” concept.
  • Methods: A total of 210 raw chicken meat samples collected from retail outlets across Istanbul were analyzed in accordance with ISO 6579-1. The isolated strains were confirmed and serotyped using PCR, agglutination, and Sanger sequencing. Antibiotic susceptibilities were determined using disk diffusion and E-test methods in accordance with EUCAST and CLSI standards, while resistance genes were investigated using PCR.

Results: Salmonella was isolated from 6.2% of the samples (n=13); the predominant serotype was S. Infantis (84.6%), followed by S. Enteritidis (7.7%) and S. Virchow (7.7%). In the disk diffusion test, multidrug resistance was identified in 84.6% of the strains. According to E-test results, the highest resistance was observed against tetracycline at 84.6%. The double-disk synergy test confirmed that 38% of the strains phenotypically produced Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamases (ESBL). Genetic analyses identified the resistance genes blaTEM (30.7%), blaCTX-M group 9 (30%), and blaCTX-M group 1 (7.7%). No colistin or carbapenem resistance genes were detected.

Conclusions: This pioneering study has revealed that retail chicken meat poses a serious public health risk and serves as a reservoir for the spread of potential ESBL-producing multidrug-resistant Salmonella strains. It is clear that multidisciplinary surveillance studies based on the One Health approach are of vital importance for limiting the uncontrolled use of antibiotics in animal production and preventing zoonotic risks.