Prevalence and antibiotic resistance of spp. in South Punjab-Pakistan

Present study aimed at investigating the magnitude of the prevalence and antibiotic resistance among four Salmonella spp. i.e. S. typhi, S. paratyphi A, S. paratyphi B and S. typhimurium, present in raw milk and environment samples from five districts of southern part of the Province of Punjab in Pakistan i.e. Multan, Bahawalpur, Lodhran, Dera Ghazi Khan and Muzaffargarh. A total of 3000 raw milk and environment samples were collected from these sites and analyzed for detection and confirmation of Salmonella spp. Extent of antibiotic resistance was also determined and classified as resistant, intermediate and susceptible. S. typhimurium was found to be more prevalent in Multan region as compared to other districts. Increased emergence of antibacterial resistance among Salmonella spp. from raw milk samples was noted. Amongst 13 tested antibiotics, chloramphenicol and ofloxacin were found to be the most susceptible against Salmonella spp. Present study suggested serious interventions by relevant government agencies to ensure best practices in animal husbandry at farm level and sagacious use of antibiotics for the containment of antimicrobial resistance in Salmonella spp.