Salmonellosis is an important disease of public health concern, causing substantial morbidity and mortality in man and is one of the leading cause of food borne disease. Food of animal origin is considered as the important source of salmonellosis. The present study was carried out to isolate and characterize Salmonella from humans, animals, and poultry. A total of 722 fecal samples originating from humans (232), cattle (140), poultry (304), pigs (38), and goats (8) were collected and screened by standard culturing methods. Out of which 13 (1.8%) samples revealed the presence of characteristic Salmonella colonies, 11 (3.6%) from poultry, one from human (0.43%), and one from cattle (0.71%). The isolates were confirmed by biochemical and serological tests and by serotyping. In a multiplex polymerase chain reaction-based screening of invA and stn virulence genes, all the isolates revealed their presence. Antimicrobial resistance profiling revealed a high level of resistance to multiple antibiotics, including erythromycin and cephalexin.

Salmonella, virulence gene, invA, stn, antimicrobial sensitivity

In conclusion, this study highlights the low prevalence of Salmonella in the Pantnagar region but underscores the importance of poultry as a major source of Salmonella infection, with significant public health implications. The identification of multi-drug-resistant strains, particularly from S. typhimurium, signifies the need to regulate antimicrobial use.

Garima Bisht, S. Rajagunalan, Sheetal Pant and S.P. Singh (2023). Isolation, Characterization, and Antimicrobial Resistance Profiling of Salmonella from Humans, Animals, and Poultry in Pantnagar Region. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(11): 658-662.