Antimicrobial Resistance Characterization of Salmonella isolates from Animal Origins Food in Jimma, South Western Ethiopia

Nowadays, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is becoming widespread public health issue globally. The aim of this study was to characterize AMR of Salmonella species from animal-origin foods. Cross-sectional study was conducted in three districts of Jimma zone from 2022 to 2023. A total of 480 samples of animal-origin food were examined. The collected samples were processed, cultured on selective media and Salmonella were confirmed through biochemical tests, and AMR characterization was performed. The overall prevalence rate of Salmonella isolates was 5.83% (n=28). The prevalence rates of Salmonella from beef meat, milk, cheese, eggshell, and egg content were 13.5%, 4.2%, 3.1%, 3.1%, and 5.2%, respectively. Out of the 28 detected Salmonella, a 78.57% showed resistance against erythromycin, followed by 35.71% and 28.57% against penicillin and streptomycin, respectively, and 28.57% against tetracycline, doxycycline, and gentamicin. Among the detected isolates, 21.43% to 92.86% were susceptible to the antimicrobials, with none of the tested Salmonella showing resistance to imipenem. However, 39.29% of the Salmonella exhibited multidrug resistance. The prevalence rate of Salmonella and AMR in animal-origin food in this study serves as a warning signal for a possible foodborne disease. Therefore, it is crucial to undertake strict intervention studies on AMR predicting gene reservoir microbes.