Prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility and risk factors associated with non-typhoidal Salmonella on Ugandan layer hen farms
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Date
2017
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
BMC veterinary research
Abstract
Non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) are among the leading global foodborne pathogens and a significant
public health threat. Their occurrence in animal reservoirs and their susceptibilities to commonly used antimicrobials
are poorly understood in developing countries. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence, determine
antimicrobial susceptibility and identify risk factors associated with NTS presence in laying hen farms in Uganda
through a cross-sectional study.
Results: Pooled faecal samples were collected from 237 laying hen farms and these were analysed for NTS following
standard laboratory procedures. In total, 49 farms (20.7%; 95% Confidence interval (CI): 15.6–25.6%) were positive for
NTS presence. Altogether, ten Salmonella serotypes were identified among the confirmed 78 isolates, and the predominant
serotypes were Salmonella Newport (30.8%), S. Hadar (14.1%), S. Aberdeen (12.8%), S. Heidelberg (12.8%), and S. Bolton (12.
8%). Phenotypic antimicrobial resistance was detected in 45(57.7%) of the isolates and the highest resistance was against
ciprofloxacin (50.0%) followed by sulphonamides (26.9%) and sulphamethoxazole/trimethoprim (7.7%). Resistance was
significantly associated with sampled districts (p = 0.034). Resistance to three or more drugs, multi-drug resistance (MDR)
was detected in 12 (15.4%) of the isolates, 9 (75%) of these were from Wakiso district. A multivariable logistic model
identified large farm size (OR = 7.0; 95% CI: 2.5–19.8) and the presence of other animal species on the farm (OR = 5.9;
95% CI: 2.1–16.1) as risk factors for NTS prevalence on farms. Having a separate house for birds newly brought to the
farms was found to be protective (OR = 0,4; 95% CI: 0.2–0.8).
Conclusion: This study has highlighted a high prevalence and diversity of NTS species in laying hen farms in Uganda
and identified associated risk factors. In addition, it has demonstrated high levels of antimicrobial resistance in isolates
of NTS. This could be because of overuse or misuse of antimicrobials in poultry production. Also importantly, the insights
provided in this study justifies a strong case for strengthening One Health practices and this will contribute to
the development of NTS control strategies at local, national and international levels.
Description
Keywords
Non-typhoidal Salmonella, Antimicrobial susceptibility, Risk factor, Layer hens, Prevalence
Citation
Odoch, T., Wasteson, Y., L’Abée-Lund, T., Muwonge, A., Kankya, C., Nyakarahuka, L., ... & Skjerve, E. (2017). Prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility and risk factors associated with non-typhoidal Salmonella on Ugandan layer hen farms. BMC veterinary research, 13(1), 1-10. DOI 10.1186/s12917-017-1291-1