MALDI-TOF MS-based identification and antibiotics profiling of Salmonella species isolated from retail chilled chicken in Saudi Arabia

Al-Hindi, RR, Alharbi, MG, Alotibi, IA, Azhari, SA, Ahmad, A, Alseghayer, MS, Teklemariam, AD ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5746-5736 and Almaneea, AM (2023) MALDI-TOF MS-based identification and antibiotics profiling of Salmonella species isolated from retail chilled chicken in Saudi Arabia. Journal of King Saud University - Science, 35 (5). 102684. ISSN 1018-3647

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Abstract

Objectives: Salmonella is a well-known foodborne pathogen that is spread around the world. It causes diseases both in animals and humans. The development of antibiotic-resistant Salmonella strains results in the failure of formerly effective drugs in humans and animals and poses a serious threat to world health. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the rise in Salmonella prevalence in poultry is seen as a serious problem. Saudi Arabia has endured several epidemics of Salmonella infections with varied patterns of drug resistance in the last few decades. Methods: A total of 112 chilled chicken carcass of five different local poultry companies were procured from retail outlets in Jeddah. The ISO 6579:2002 standard was followed to isolate and identify Salmonella. The isolates were identified using cultural and biochemical features and were further confirmed using (MALDI-TOF MS). Antibiotic susceptibility for each Salmonella isolate was determined using the automated MicroScan WalkAway plus System. Results: Out of the 112 samples, 35 (31.25%) samples harboured Salmonella spp. According to MALDI-TOF MS identification, 34 isolates were recognized as S. Typhimurium or S. Enteritidis with high confidence levels (log (score) values between 2.00 and 3.00), while one isolate was characterized as a Salmonella sp. with a low confidence level (log (score) < 2.00). The antibiotic sensitivity pattern demonstrated resistance to fluoroquinolones, cephalosporin, and penicillin, however, carbapenem was effective against all the isolated Salmonella spp. Out of the 35 isolates, 23 (65.71%) isolates resisted three or more than three different antibiotics and thus were regarded as multi-drug resistant (MDR) strains. Conclusions: The findings of this study indicated the presence of MDR Salmonella species in chilled chicken marketed in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia which highlights potential public health risks. Accordingly, a thorough investigation of the veterinary service, safety and hygienic system of poultry industry, as well as vendors is needed to safeguard the consumer health.