[The distribution of antibiotically-resistant organisms in the environment with special attention to salmonellae]

Antibiotic resistant determinants (R) prevail in environmental bacteria independent of antibiotic application in human and veterinary medicine als well as in agriculture. Due to horizontal gene transfer (plasmids) the spread of R. determinants to pathogenic bacteria occur in relation to selection pressure. Since salmonella bacteria have been found to persist in environmental habitats for a long time they will serve as recipients as a reservoir (donors).