Isolation, genotyping and antibiotic resistance analysis in Salmonella species isolated from turkey meat in Isfahan, Iran

<i>Salmonella</i> is one of the mainzoonotic bacteria in the poultry industry.The knowledge about biological characteristics and antibiotic resistance pattern can help medication in poultry and human. This research aimed to study <i>Salmonella</i> spp contamination and its antibiotic resistance in turkey meat in Isfahan province, Iran.400 samples were collected from the turkey meat in slaughter line (May 2021 to May 2022). The conventional microbiological and biochemical tests were applied for isolation and typing of <i>Salmonella</i> spp. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was utilized for detection and typing of <i>Salmonella</i> strains. The antibiotic sensitivity test was achieved and all strains were evaluated for resistance genes of <i>Act (3)-IV</i>, <i>Sul1</i> and <i>qnrA</i>. In microbiological examination, 32 <i>Salmonella</i> strains (8 %) were identified. All tested strains were positive for <i>invA</i> gene. By amplifying the <i>FlicC</i> and <i>Prot6E</i> genes, 28 and 4 strains had genes related to <i>enteritidis</i> and <i>typhimurium,</i> respectively. In disc diffusion test, the highest antibiotic resistance was to oxytetracycline (50 %) and the lowest was to gentamicin, amoxiclavulanic acid, cefotaxime and ceftriaxone. The results showed that 6 (18.75 %) and 10 (31.25 %) of the <i>Salmonella</i> spp were able to amplify <i>Sul1</i> and <i>qnrA</i> genes, respectively. No <i>Salmonella</i> strain could amplify <i>Act (3)-IV</i> gene. 100 % of the strains carried the <i>Sul1</i> and <i>qnrA</i> genes were resistant to sulfonamide, and enrofloxacin. Furthermore, 3 sulfonamide resistant strains (75 %) and 5 enrofloxacin resistant strains (83.33 %) were harbored <i>Sul1</i> and <i>qnrA</i> genes, respectively. The prevalence and antibiotic resistance of <i>Salmonella</i> spp in turkey meat can induce health risk concern. However, the wide spectrum antibiotic resistance complicates the proper treatment of <i>Salmonella</i> infection in human.