Abstract

Limited treated options to Salmonellosis exist due to the emergence of extended spectrum beta lactamases (ESBLs). This study determined the prevalence of common ESBL genes (bla_SHV, bla_CTX-M, bla_OXA) and profiled their antimicrobial resistance drug pattern. A descriptive cross-sectional study that involved 16 Salmonella enterica isolates from diarrhoeic children at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital and 39 isolates from healthy birds in poultry farms within the Calabar metropolis. Standard disc diffusion method determined antimicrobial susceptibility while Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) using specific primers identified the beta-lactamase genes. All 55 isolates phenotypically demonstrated ESBL production. All 55 salmonella isolates were resistant to Cefotaxime and Nalixidic acid. All the clinical isolates were susceptible Ciprofloxacin and Norflaxacin. The poultry isolates however exhibited varied degrees of resistance to Ciprofloxacin and Norflaxacin. All 55 Salmonella isolates carried the bla_SHV genes, bla_CTX-M gene (94.5%) bla_OXA gene (18.2%).  Molecular characterization identified the bla_SHV gene as the most prominent. This study provides relevant data that would help in the implementation of policies regarding the use of antimicrobial agents in clinical and veterinary settings as well provide antimicrobial treatment guidelines that would strengthen infection control processes.

Key words: Salmonella enterica, Antimicrobial-resistance, ESBL-genes, Poultry-sources.