Detection of FOX-1 AmpC–lactamase Gene Expression in Salmonella Isolated from Poultry and Beef-Mutton Meat

Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global health issue and one of the most pressing concerns facing mankind today. Several bacterial strains have acquired AMR. As a result of antibiotic selective pressure, resistant bacterial strains are being naturally selected for spread both inside and outside of the medical context. An example of this is the indiscriminate use of antimicrobials in livestock, poultry, and other veterinary applications. Our objective was to detect FOX-1 AmpC-lactamase gene as a AMR gene in abattoir samples. Methods: Salmonella isolation, antibiotic susceptibility testing, and lactamase characterization were performed using standard microbiological protocols. Cefoxitin-cloxacillin double-disk synergy test (CC-DDST) was utilized for the phenotypic production of AmpC-lactamase; PCR was performed to identify the FOX-1 AmpC gene in Salmonella isolates. Results: Samples from abrogating were found to produce AmpC-lactamase in 24% of the Salmonella strains tested. Resistance to tetracycline and nalidixic acid was very strong (100%). Cotrimoxazole had a moderate level of resistance (88.88%), as did ampicillin (80.88%), meropenem (80.88%), ciprofloxacin (77.77%), and amikacin (77.77%). Salmonella isolates, on the other hand, reveal that chloramphenicol was completely ineffective against them. In 75% of the Salmonella isolates examined, AmpC enzyme production was present. Conclusion: Antibiotic-resistant strains, such as those caused by the AmpC-lactamase gene, may be found in the general population from abattoirs. Drug-resistant genes must be molecularly identified to undertake a reliable epidemiological assessment and to avoid the establishment and spread of these microbes via the food chain in this region.