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Antibiotic resistance in Salmonella enterica serotype typhimurium
U Gross1, H Tschäpe, I Bednarek
1Institute of Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Germany.
Abstract:
In order to analyse the development of antibiotic resistance in Salmonella spp., a total of 262 Salmonella strains isolated in 1987 (n = 148) and in 1996 (n = 114) from clinical specimens in Wurzburg, Germany, were tested in parallel by the agar diffusion method. In 1987. most of the strains were Salmonella enterica serotype typhimurium (42.6%), whereas in 1996 most were Salmonella enterica serotype enteritidis (68.4%). The majority of Salmonella enterica serotype enteritidis isolates was fully susceptible in 1987 and 1996. In contrast, the percentage of drug-resistant strains of Salmonella enterica serotype typhimurium increased significantly from 27% in 1987 to 52.4% in 1996. This increase, which might reflect uncontrolled use of antibiotics in the environment, should be of concern to public health authorities.
Insights
Antibiotic resistance in Salmonella typhimurium significantly increased between 1987 and 1996 in Germany. This rise in drug-resistant Salmonella strains highlights a potential public health concern.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Antibiotic resistance in bacterial pathogens is a growing global health concern.
- Salmonella spp. are significant causes of foodborne illness and bloodstream infections.
- Monitoring resistance patterns is crucial for effective treatment and public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the development and trends of antibiotic resistance in Salmonella spp. over time.
- To compare the prevalence of antibiotic resistance in Salmonella strains isolated in 1987 versus 1996.
- To identify shifts in serotype dominance within Salmonella isolates.
Main Methods:
- Agar diffusion method was used to test antibiotic susceptibility.
- 262 Salmonella strains from clinical specimens in Wurzburg, Germany, were analyzed.
- Strains isolated in 1987 (n=148) and 1996 (n=114) were compared.
Main Results:
- Salmonella enterica serotype typhimurium was dominant in 1987 (42.6%), while Salmonella enterica serotype enteritidis dominated in 1996 (68.4%).
- Salmonella enterica serotype enteritidis isolates showed high susceptibility to antibiotics in both years.
- Drug resistance in Salmonella enterica serotype typhimurium increased significantly from 27% in 1987 to 52.4% in 1996.
Conclusions:
- A significant increase in antibiotic resistance was observed in Salmonella enterica serotype typhimurium strains.
- The shift in serotype dominance and increasing resistance may be linked to environmental antibiotic use.
- Public health authorities should address the rising antibiotic resistance in Salmonella spp.