Prevalence, diversity, and antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella spp. isolated from river sediments in Northwest Mexico

Abstract

Introduction: Salmonella is a major foodborne pathogen widely distributed in the environment. Surface water, soil, and sediments may confer a protective effect on Salmonella against non-host conditions. Methodology: This study focused on determining the prevalence of Salmonella spp. in river sediments from Sinaloa central region by the Most Probable Number (MPN) technique and determining the antimicrobial resistance profile by Kirby-Bauer assay. Results: Results showed the prevalence of Salmonella from 37.5 to 62.5% of the samples, oscillating from 0.322 to 20 MPN/4g, with August being the month with the highest levels. In silico geno-serotyping reveals the presence of Salmonella serotypes Typhi, Javiana, Ohio, Montevideo, Oranienburg, Pomona, Agona, Livingstone, Weltevreden, Anatum, and Minnesota. The most prevalent serotypes in river sediments were Pomona, Montevideo, and Oranienburg. Almost all isolates showed resistance to erythromycin, rifampin, and penicillin. Conclusions: This study reveals the prevalence and distribution of Salmonella enterica in river sediments, which may represent a potential niche for establishment and survival in the environment and become a potential contamination source.

Keywords

• Salmonella
• river sediments
• antimicrobial resistance