DETECTION OF ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE IN SALMONELLA ENTERICA ISOLATED FROM DUCKS AND THEIR ENVIRONMENTS IN WEST BENGAL, INDIA

Salmonella infection in Poultry birds may lead to food poisoning in human beings. Salmonellae are pathogenic, causing enteritis in birds, and others. This study aims to determine the presence of Salmonella spp. isolates with detailed characterization, in ducks and associated environments from a few districts of South Bengal (India). A total of 236 samples (cloacal swabs of ducks, samples from the environment, and duck eggs) were collected, and Salmonella spp. was isolated following standard methodology with molecular confirmation of the isolates done by PCR. Standard methods were followed in all steps of the study. An in vitro antibiogram of the isolates positive for ESBL and biofilm formation was done against 12 antibiotics commonly used in veterinary medicine. Twenty-seven (11.44%) Salmonella enterica strains were detected with environmental samples to show the highest prevalence (13.9%) among other sources. Out of 27, 18 (66.67%) Salmonella spp. isolates were positive for either ESBL or ACBL production in vitro in a double-disc diffusion assay. Twelve (44.44%) isolates showed the presence of two major ESBL genes (blaCTX-Mand blaTEM) but no blaSHV whereas the blaAmpC was found in 11 (40.74%) isolates. The virulence gene (invA) was noticed in 12 (44.44%) isolates, whereas 16 (59.25%) isolates were revealed to have at least one of the biofilm-associated protein-encoding genes. All 12 selected Salmonella enterica isolates were identified with 100% resistance to ampicillin, followed by ertapenem and cefotaxime (both 83%), ceftazidime (75%), etc. In contrast, drugs like chloramphenicol (67%), cotrimoxazole (50%), gentamicin (33%) etc. were sensitive against these isolates.