Presence of Salmonella enterica subsp. arizonae in bushmeat from the Mulundu department of the Ogooué–Lolo province, Gabon

Abstract : In Africa, most investigations on Salmonella spp. have focused on isolates from humans, poultry, and domestic animals, whereas studies on wild terrestrial mammals remain limited. Consequently, the occurrence of Salmonella spp., particularly Salmonella enterica subsp. arizonae, in African wildlife is underreported. In Gabon, there is little to no information on the presence of antimicrobial-resistant S. enterica subsp. arizonae in bushmeat. This study aimed to isolate and characterise antibiotic resistance in S. enterica subsp. arizonae recovered from wildlife in Mulundu department, Lastoursville, Gabon. A total of 147 bushmeat samples representing 20 animal species were collected. After bacterial culture and identification, 23 samples (15.65%) from eight species were positive for S. enterica subsp. arizonae. The distribution of isolates was as follows: Peters’ duiker (34.78%), blue duiker (26.09%), African wood owl (13.04%), moustached monkey (8.69%), pangolin (4.35%), genet (4.35%), crocodile (4.35%), and African brush-tailed porcupine (4.35%). Resistance profiles revealed the presence of multidrug-resistant strains. One isolate from a moustached monkey showed resistance to three antibiotic families, namely sulfonamides (sulfonamide), fluoroquinolones (ofloxacin), and β-lactams (cefoxitin, ampicillin). Another isolate from a Peters’ duiker exhibited resistance to six antibiotics: cefotaxime, cefepime, sulfonamide, ertapenem, cefoxitin, and ampicillin. Additionally, isolates from Peters’ duiker (n=3), blue duiker (n=2), wood owl (n=1), genet (n=1), and pangolin (n=1) were resistant to ertapenem, cefoxitin, and ampicillin. These findings demonstrate the circulation of S. enterica subsp. arizonae in wildlife consumed as bushmeat in Gabon. This represents a potential source of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens for human populations relying on game meat.