Antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation ability of Salmonella serotypes isolated from beef, mutton, and meat contact surfaces at retail

In this study,Salmonellaisolates recovered from meat (beef and mutton) and meat contact surfaces at retail were investigated to determine their serotype, antibiotic resistance, and biofilm formation ability.Salmonellawas found in 29 (24.17%) samples out of 120 samples including 14/50 (28%) of beef, 10/40 (25%) of mutton, and 5/30 (16.67%) of meat contact surfaces. Seven isolates were identified asS. Enteritidis, three asS. Typhimurium, and two asS. Typhi, while the rest of the isolates were considered as otherSalmonellaspp. All of the isolates were resistant to at least one antimicrobial agent and 48.27% of them were identified as multidrug-resistant (MDR)Salmonella. All (100%) of meat contact surfaces isolates, 42.8% of beef isolates, and 30% of mutton isolates were found to be MDRSalmonella. Resistance to nalidixic acid (100%), tetracycline (79.3%), and sulphamethoxazole/trimethoprim (44.8%) were observed. ThegyrAgene was detected in 19 of 29 isolates, buttetAwas found in one isolate. All of the serotypes were able to form biofilm (75.86 % moderate and 24.14 % strong) andS. Enteritidis was the strongest biofilm producer. The findings indicated that the majority ofSalmonellaisolates in this study were MDR and biofilm producer. Then, safety measures such as cleaning and disinfection must be taken to controlSalmonellaand promote public health. Practical Application The present study provides useful information on the prevalence ofSalmonellaserotypes in meat and meat contact surfaces and their antibiotic resistance patterns as well as biofilm formation capacities. Improving hygiene practices in livestock, slaughterhouses, and at retails may reduce the risk of meat contamination toSalmonella. Meanwhile, high levels of antibiotic resistance inSalmonellaisolates emphasized on the improper use of antibiotics.