Public health impact of multidrug-resistant Salmonella enterica serovars identified via MALDI-TOF MS in cattle from Abakaliki abattoirs, Nigeria.

Background: Salmonella is an important zoonotic pathogen and a causative agent of salmonellosis. Foodborne diseases have become a significant global issue that impacts food safety and public health. Aim: This study aimed to assess the public health impact of multidrug-resistant Salmonella enterica serovars identified by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization Time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) from cattle at abattoirs. Methods: A total of 120 samples, including anal swabs and cattle dung, were collected and analyzed using standard microbiological techniques. Serovars of S. enterica were detected using MALDI-TOF MS. Antimicrobial sensitivity tests were performed on the identified isolates using the Kirby-Bauer diffusion method. Results: Of the 120 samples studied, 36 (30.0%) were confirmed to harbor S. enterica serovars. Enteritidis was identified in 14 (38.9%), Salmonella typhimurium 19 (52.8%), and S. dublin 3(8.3%). Multidrug-resistant was reported in 14 (38.9%); S. enteritidis was recorded in 6 (16.7%), and S. typhimurium had 8 (22.2%). The isolated S. enterica serovars had a resistance range of 33.3%-42.1% for ampicillin and tetracycline and a susceptibility range of 89.5%-100.0% for ciprofloxacin and gentamicin. Three distinct patterns of the multidrug resistance phenotype in S. enterica serovars have been reported. Conclusion: This study identified the presence of multidrug-resistant S. enterica serovar isolates, and if left unchecked, could lead to a public health threat. Ciprofloxacin and gentamicin were effective against the isolates and can be used to treat zoonotic foodborne salmonellosis infection. Thus, antibiotic stewardship is important to monitor resistance among bacterial organisms.